JUSTICE

Departmental Equality

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether his Department met the civil service diversity targets set out on page 51 of Cabinet Office Annual Report 2007 by April 2008.

Jack Straw: As a result of the establishment of the Ministry of Justice on 9 May 2007, we are currently in the process of revising our diversity targets for all under-represented groups. The MoJ is currently working with the Cabinet Office to agree new civil service-wide diversity targets.
	The timetable for setting the MoJ's targets will be determined by guidance from the Cabinet Office, which is due late summer 2008.

Information Commissioner

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many cases are awaiting investigation by the Information Commissioner.

Michael Wills: The Information Commissioner is an independent body created by statute with responsibility for handling complaints made to him under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998. The Information Commissioner has provided the answer to this parliamentary question.
	At 31 March 2008, the number of cases awaiting investigation by the Information Commissioner was 1,363 for freedom of information casework and 1,237 for data protection casework.
	Additionally, due to the volume of cases referred to the Information Commissioner under data protection, there were 2,250 cases awaiting classification as at 31 March 2008. Of these cases, it is estimated that approximately 60 per cent. would be resolved within 30 calendar days and 85 per cent. within 90 calendar days.

Information Commissioner

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average length of time between acceptance of a case for investigation by the Information Commissioner and the commencement of the investigation was in the last period for which figures are available.

Michael Wills: The Information Commissioner is an independent body created by statute with responsibility for handling complaints made to him under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Data Protection Act 1998. The Information Commissioner has provided the answer to this parliamentary question.
	The Information Commissioner deals with two types of cases: those that come under that Freedom of Information Act and those that come under the Data Protection Act. Between April 2007 and March 2008 the average length of time from receipt to commencement of investigation was 69 days for the Freedom of Information Act cases and 30 days for Data Protection Act cases. The average length of time to close an investigation once commenced, was 182 days from for Freedom of Information Act cases and 45 days for Data Protection Act cases.

Juries: Mental Health

Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate the Government have made of the number of people who are not eligible for jury service for reasons related to their mental health.

Maria Eagle: In March and April 2008, the Jury Central Summoning Bureau summoned 62,559 people for jury service and disqualified 14,647 (23.4 per cent.). Of these, 1,524 were disqualified on grounds of mental health (2 per cent. of the total). These data are subject to the information supplied by the individual summoned.

Prison Service: Languages

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prison officers are proficient in speaking  (a) Urdu,  (b) Farsi,  (c) Arabic,  (d) Gujarati,  (e) Punjabi,  (f) Bangla,  (g) Tamil,  (h) Hindi,  (i) Russian,  (j) Turkish,  (k) Cantonese,  (l) Mandarin,  (m) Somali,  (n) Vietnamese,  (o) Polish,  (p) Albanian and  (q) other languages spoken by non-English speakers serving custodial sentences in England and Wales.

Maria Eagle: It is not a requirement for prison officers to disclose the information requested and therefore it is not held centrally. To obtain the information would require contacting each prisoner officer at a disproportionate cost.

Prisoners Release

Edward Garnier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what proportion of prisoners serving determinate sentences were released early in each of the last five years.

Jack Straw: Table 10.3 shows the numbers of prisoners released on home detention curfew and the proportion this represents of all prisoners potentially eligible for early release under this scheme, based on the latest published data. Table 10.4 shows the number of determinate sentenced prisoners recommended for parole by the Parole Board and the proportion this represents of all those considered, based on the latest published data.
	
		
			  Table 1 0.3 : Releases on home detention curfew 2002-06 
			   2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 Number released on HDC 20,456 21,188 19,29 17,296 13,666 
			 Percentage released of potential eligible cases 37 37 35 32 26 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 10.4: Determinate sentence cases considered by the Parole Board 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07 
			 Recommended for parole 3,175 3,206 3,794 3,718 2,478 
			 Percentage of cases recommended out of those considered for parole 53 53 52 49 36 
			  Source: Tables 10.3 and 10.4 in Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2006, Ministry of Justice 
		
	
	Additionally, the end of custody licence scheme was introduced on 29 June 2007 and between then and 31 December 2007 there were 16,197 releases under the scheme.
	Information about end of custody licence releases and recalls is published on a monthly basis on the Ministry of Justice website. The latest report was published on 30 April and refers to March as the reporting month:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/endofcustodylicence.htm
	These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Antisocial Behaviour Orders

James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many anti-social behaviour orders were issued against  (a) persons aged under 16,  (b) persons aged 17 to 18,  (c) persons aged 19 to 25 and  (d) persons aged over 25 years in (i) 2005, (ii) 2006 and (iii) 2007, broken down by police force area; and how many such orders have been breached;
	(2)  what recent estimate she has made of the rate of breach of anti-social behaviour orders;
	(3)  what recent estimate she has made of the extent to which anti-social behaviour orders are issued to persons with a diagnosed mental illness.

Vernon Coaker: The latest available information on the number of antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs) is up to 31 December 2006 and was published on 8 May.
	ASBO data are available broken down by age group 10-17 and adults aged 18 and over, year of issue and Criminal Justice System (CJS) area level. CJS areas are coterminous with police force areas and the information is shown in table 1 placed in the House Library. The number of ASBOs breached for the first time in each year is shown in table 3 placed in the House Library.
	The Home Affairs Select Committee Report on Anti-Social Behaviour (2004-05) found that inappropriate issuing of ASBOs, for example to people with mental health problems, is not a major problem in practice. Legislation allows the terms of an ASBO to be varied or for the order itself to be discharged if circumstances warrant it.
	Home Office published material and training events stress the need for a staged and incremental approach to tackling antisocial behaviour and for specialist professionals to be involved in an assessment of people who have special needs. This advice is available to all antisocial behaviour practitioners, including those practitioners working in social services, in the form of a website, an extensive range of leaflets and the Respect Actionline, which provides professional advice by telephone.
	We monitor the overall use of ASBOs on an ongoing basis and adjust policy in response. For example we recently made changes to the ASBO legislation in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 that juveniles' ASBOs should be reviewed after one year. We will continue to build on and extend existing ASBO legislation as appropriate.

Crimes of Violence: Hertfordshire

Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Stevenage constituency in each of the last five years;
	(2)  how many crimes involving violence against a person were recorded in Welwyn Hatfield constituency in each of the last five years.

Vernon Coaker: Statistics are not collected specifically on a constituency basis. The Home Office does publish statistics at Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) area level. The number of offences of violence against the person for each of the last five years by CDRP is available on the Home Office website at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrpog.xls
	Also available is a look-up table that identifies which constituencies are associated with CDRPs. In many instances, a CDRP may comprise more than one constituency. Conversely, some constituencies will come within two or more CDRPs, either wholly or partially. The look-up table is available at:
	http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs08/cdrp-constituency-table.xls
	Copies of both the statistics table and the look-up table are available in the Library.

Forensic Science: Genetics

Ian Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  what percentage of forensic reports arising from low template DNA (LTDNA) analyses have included caveats on the reliability of the results; whether she plans to establish national  (a) standards and  (b) guidelines on the (i) collection, (ii) handling and (iii) storage of evidence that might yield DNA material by (A) police and (B) forensic services; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  if she will take steps to establish national  (a) agreement,  (b) standards and  (c) guidelines on how low template DNA profiles should be interpreted; and if she will make a statement.

Meg Hillier: The Home Office does not hold data on the contents of forensic reports; therefore it is not possible to supply the information on the percentage of reports with caveats.
	The independent Forensic Science Regulator is responsible for developing standards in this area; the Home Office does not plan to establish separate guidelines or standards.
	The Regulator has recently issued his response to the recommendations in 'A Review of the Science of Low Template DNA Analysis' which considers collection, storage and interpretation.

Homicide: Cheshire

David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many homicides there have been in Cheshire since 1998-99, broken down by method of killing.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 8 May 2008
	 Available information relates to the number of homicides recorded by Cheshire police between 1998-99 and 2006-07 and is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Offences currently recorded as homicide( 1)  by apparent method of killing: Cheshire police force area, combined data 1998-99 to 2006-07( 2, 3) 
			  Apparent method  Number of homicides 
			 Sharp instrument(4) 26 
			 Blunt instrument 7 
			 Hitting, kicking, etc 19 
			 Strangulation(5) 9 
			 Shooting(6) — 
			 Explosion — 
			 Burning 2 
			 Drowning — 
			 Poison or drugs 6 
			 Motor vehicle(7) 1 
			 Other 3 
			 Not known 4 
			 Total 77 
			 (1) As at 12 November 2007; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts or as further information becomes available. (2 )Data for 2007-08 are not yet published. (3 )Offences recorded during financial years 1998-99 to 2006-07 are included. This is not necessarily the same period in which the incident took place or any court decision was made. (4 )Includes knives and other sharp instruments. (5 )Includes asphyxiation. (6 )Includes shooting by crossbow. (7 )Excludes death by careless/dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

Human Trafficking

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when Operation Pentameter 2 started and finished; how many police forces were involved; how many traffickers were  (a) arrested and  (b) charged with trafficking offences; how many trafficked persons were discovered; how many of these were (i) under 10 years old, (ii) children between 10 and 18 years and (iii) adults; and of the persons discovered, how many had been subjected to (A) sexual exploitation, (B) domestic servitude and (C) forced labour.

Vernon Coaker: holding answer 12 May 2008
	 Operation Pentameter 2 began on 3 October 2007.
	The fourth stage of the operation is ongoing. Operational outcomes will be published once the evaluation of the intelligence obtained and conduct of the operation is complete.

Human Trafficking: Social Security Benefits

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate her Department has made of the extent of the practice of smuggling babies into the UK for the purpose of benefit fraud; and what steps her Department is taking to prevent it.

Vernon Coaker: The Home Office has not carried out an estimate of the extent of baby smuggling into the UK for the purpose of benefit fraud. However, the scoping report published by the Child Exploitation On Line Protection Centre (CEOP) in 2007 identified six children who had been trafficked specifically for benefit fraud.
	The Government are aware of isolated cases where children have been brought into the country by adults for the purpose of claiming benefits. Since October 2007 the Paladin Team, a police-led multi-agency child protection unit based at London ports, has investigated two individuals suspected of trafficking children for benefit fraud. These are being progressed through the Criminal Justice System.
	The Government deplore all forms of human trafficking and are determined to fight these through its UK Action Plan on Tackling Human Trafficking. The action plan is currently being updated.

Passports

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what her most recent estimate is of the number of British citizens who do not have a valid UK passport.

Meg Hillier: The total number of passports issued by IPS and currently valid is estimated at 48,080,000 (an exact figure cannot be given because lost and stolen passports may not be immediately replaced).
	When this figure is compared with the current population of the United Kingdom (61,412,000) it is estimated that 21.7 per cent. of the UK population do not hold a valid UK passport.

Theft: Architecture

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many  (a) incidents of and  (b) convictions in relation to theft of architectural features there were in England in each year since 1997;
	(2)  what steps she is taking to tackle the theft of architectural features from historic buildings in England.

Vernon Coaker: The Home Office is not specifically tackling the theft of architectural features from historic buildings in England.
	Local police and other partners in crime prevention and reduction have a wide range of measures and powers available for their use in tackling whichever crime and disorder issues are a priority for them. We would expect them to respond appropriately to prevent and investigate offences of such theft, as they would to other crimes, taking into account available resources and other demands and priorities.
	Data on the numbers of such thefts, and prosecutions or convictions for such thefts, are not identifiable from information held centrally.

DEFENCE

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 7 May 2008,  Official Report, column 831W, on Afghanistan: peacekeeping operations, what mechanisms are in place to ensure that unauthorised items are not posted by service personnel from the theatre of operations to the United Kingdom.

Des Browne: All mail is scanned before dispatch from Theatre. All prohibited items are removed and returned to the Theatre Distribution Office for investigation.

Armed Forces: Commonwealth

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will introduce a cap on the number of personnel recruited to the armed forces from Commonwealth countries.

Bob Ainsworth: The armed forces are proud to recruit high quality recruits from countries with close historical and political ties. While no decision has been taken to introduce a cap on Commonwealth and Republic of Ireland citizens, we are looking at the rising levels within the armed forces.
	Commonwealth and Irish citizens make a huge contribution to the armed forces and bring a range of skills and talents, which enrich the service as a whole, and we would wish to continue to recruit them.

Armed Forces: Compensation

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many compensation claims were rejected where the time limit was part of the consideration in making the decision in each year since 2005.

Derek Twigg: As the armed forces compensation scheme only started from 6 April 2005 the five year time limit for any claims under the scheme has not yet expired and therefore no claims have been rejected under this criterion.

Armed Forces: Disability Living Allowance

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many claims for disability allowance have been refused under  (a) the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and  (b) the War Pension Scheme in each of the last 10 years.

Derek Twigg: A total of 5,475 disablement pension claims have been rejected under the War Pensions Scheme between 1 April 2001 and 31 December 2007. Figures are presented by financial year in table 1. Data are available in the format required only as far back as the financial year 2001-02.
	A total of 1,650 compensation claims have been rejected under the Armed Forces and Reserves Compensation Scheme between its introduction on 6 April 2005 and 31 December 2007. Figures are presented by financial year in table 2.
	
		
			  Table 1: Rejected war pensions claims, each financial year since 2001-02 
			  War Pensions Scheme 
			  Financial year  Rejections 
			 2001-02 925 
			 2002-03 895 
			 2003-04 850 
			 2004-05 825 
			 2005-06 815 
			 2006-07 715 
			 April 2007 to December 2007 450 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Rejected armed forces compensation claims, each financial year since the AFCS scheme was introduced 
			  Armed Forces Pension Scheme 
			  Financial year  Rejections 
			 2005-06 165 
			 2006-07 745 
			 April 2007 to December 2007 740

Armed Forces: Housing

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discount is offered to  (a) service personnel and  (b) service leavers living in properties owned by Annington Homes who wish to buy their accommodation.

Derek Twigg: The majority of service families accommodation (SFA) properties in England and Wales were sold to Annington Homes Ltd. (AHL) in 1996 under a sale and leaseback arrangement. When the Department no longer has a requirement for AHL properties, they are returned to AHL for disposal on the open market. Properties are unoccupied when they are returned to AHL.
	While there is no obligation on AHL to offer discounts to current or former service personnel when selling its properties, it has in the past offered certain incentives, concessions or priority to personnel voluntarily. While there is no requirement on the Department to maintain a record of such sales, we understand that between 25 to 30 per cent. of properties have been sold in this way. We are exploring with Annington Homes what more can be done to help service leavers obtain accommodation.

Armed Forces: Pay

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what specific savings are being made in order to implement the armed forces pay review body recommendations for 2008.

Des Browne: No specific savings have been made to implement the armed forces pay review body recommendations for 2008.

Armed Forces: Procurement

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to increase the proportion of material supplied by British companies procured by or on behalf of the armed forces; and if he will make a statement.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 12 May 2008
	The Defence Industrial Strategy sets out the UK's requirement for a sustainable industrial base and makes clear which industrial capabilities we need to retain in the UK to ensure we can continue to operate the equipment the way we chose to maintain appropriate sovereignty and protect national security. The Ministry of Defence procurement of non-warlike requirements is subject to the EC Public Procurement Regulations that requires such opportunities to be advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Armed Forces: Publications

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library copies of the joint service publications  (a) JSP 498,  (b) JSP 501,  (c) JSP 510 and  (d) JSP 512.

Derek Twigg: I shall arrange for copies of the four publications concerned to be placed in the Library of the House.

Armed Forces: Uniforms

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 May 2008,  Official Report, column 834W, on armed forces: uniforms, what steps his Department takes to ensure no child labour is involved in the manufacturing of the Combat Soldier 95 uniform.

Des Browne: Defence clothing contract conditions stipulate that no person under the prevailing legal minimum age limit, and in any case never under the age of 14, is employed by any contractor or subcontractor. Combat Soldier 95 clothing is largely manufactured in China where the legal minimum age is 16. MOD staff have visited subcontractors and audited them to try to ensure compliance with Chinese legislation.

Ballistic Missile Defence

Dai Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with  (a) his United States counterpart and  (b) the NATO Secretary-General on the prospective third site for a European-based missile defence system following the Secretary-General's speech on missile defence delivered on 5 May in Geneva.

Des Browne: The issue of ballistic missile defence is discussed routinely, both bilaterally with the United States Administration, and in NATO forums. It is not the practice of the Government to make public details of all discussions with foreign governments as this would, or would be likely to, prejudice international relations.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what pan-Balkans  (a) Ready Battalion and  (b) Standby Battalion Operational Reserve Force is available to support European Force Althea in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Bob Ainsworth: The NATO/EU pan-Balkans Operational Reserve Force (ORF), currently made up of a battalion from the UK, Germany and Italy, continues to provide the necessary capability to reinforce both the NATO operation in Kosovo and EU operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH). The security situation in BiH is stable and current troop levels are considered sufficient. Should military commanders judge that reinforcements are required, the 'Ready' and 'Standby' ORF battalions are available to provide the additional support.

Defence Clothing and Textiles Agency

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will place in the Library a copy of the risk analysis carried out to identify the organisation needed to maintain the service level to front line commands during the transitions from  (a) Caversfield to Ensleigh and  (b) Ensleigh to Abbeywood.

Bob Ainsworth: Risk analysis and management is an ongoing activity within the DE&S Collocation Project and across all areas of DE&S business. The effective management of risk has already led to the successful move from Andover to Abbey Wood of over 1,000 posts directly supporting the front line. I shall place the original risk analysis in the Library of the House as part of the relevant extracts of the internally approved investment appraisal for bringing forward the move of Defence Clothing Integrated Project Team (DC IPT).

Defence Equipment

Hugo Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he last reassessed wear rates of UK military equipment; and whether he has made a comparison of wear rates between UK and US military equipment.

Bob Ainsworth: Each equipment type has its own maintenance requirement and 'wear rates' are not recorded centrally. We expect to repair and overhaul military equipment used on operations more often than is normally planned in through life costing. No comparisons have been made between UK and US military equipment.

Defence Estates: Cost Effectiveness

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what savings targets were set for Defence Estates for regional prime contracts in  (a) 2007-08 and  (b) 2008-09.

Derek Twigg: No in year savings targets were set for Defence Estates in 2007-08 or have been set for 2008-09 against the funding allocated to regional prime contracting.

Departmental ICT

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent assessment he has made of the performance of the Defence Information Infrastructure programme.

Bob Ainsworth: I remain content that the performance of the Defence Information Infrastructure (DII) programme is continually assessed via its comprehensive governance structure. The fixed element of the DII programme is currently running behind its original implementation schedule; however, the deployable element, which will directly support our front line troops, is progressing on schedule to meet its declared delivery dates. The programme overall remains within 3 per cent. of its approved programme cost and is on track to deliver the benefits supporting its original approval.

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1924W, on departmental internet, whether it is possible to determine which creations and amendments to Wikipedia made before January 2008 were made by  (a) military and  (b) Civil Service personnel.

Derek Twigg: This information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Manpower

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 28 February 2008,  Official Report, columns 1807-08W on departmental manpower, how many of the employees under 18 years of age are receiving at least one day's training per week.

Derek Twigg: The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what value of  (a) RfR1 and  (b) RfR2 (i) operating income and (ii) non-operating income was (A) appropriated in aid and (B) surrendered to the Consolidated Fund in each year from 2001-02 to 2006-07.

Bob Ainsworth: This information has been published in the MOD's annual report and accounts for the years in question, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. In summary:
	
		
			  £000 
			   Operating income  Non-operating income 
			  Financial year  Appropriation in aid  Surrendered to consolidated fund  Appropriation in aid  Surrendered to consolidated fund 
			  2006-07 
			 RfRl 1,478,181 34,608 498,287- — 
			 RfR2 15,557 5,047 — — 
			  2005-06 
			 RfRl 1,346,570 76,272 374,320 (1)— 
			 RfR2 — 16,062 — — 
			  2004-05 
			 RfRl 1,258,309 215,889 287,435 153,207 
			 RfR2 — — — — 
			  2003-04 
			 RfRl 1,377,823 85,315 367,798 137,325 
			 RfR2 — — — — 
			  2002-03 
			 RfRl 1,449,767 — 373,756 (2)— 
			 RfR2 — — — — 
			  2002-01 
			 RfRl 1,308,607 42,810 336,533 (3)22,557 
			 RfR2 — — — — 
			 (1) An amount collectable on behalf of the Consolidated Fund in respect of the QinetiQ sale £357,771,000 was also paid to the Consolidated Fund. (2) Amounts collectable on behalf of the Consolidated Fund in respect of repayment of QinetiQ loan £49,900,000 and sale of certain assets £44,300,000 were also paid to the Consolidated Fund. (3) An amount collectable on behalf of the Consolidated Fund in respect repayment of the QinetiQ loan £46,429,000 was also paid to the Consolidated Fund.

Departmental Public Expenditure

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what value of  (a) operating income and  (b) non-operating income was (i) appropriated in aid and (ii) surrendered to the Consolidated Fund in each year from 1992-93 to 2000-01.

Bob Ainsworth: This information has been published in the MoD's appropriation accounts for the years in question, copies of which have been placed in the Library of the House. In summary:
	
		
			  £ million 
			  Financial year  Appropriation in aid  Surrendered to the consolidated fund 
			 1992-93 1,698 33 
			 1993-94 3,054 70 
			 1994-95 3,051 79 
			 1995-96 3,060 121 
			 1996-97 3,002 732 
			 1997-98 3,309 88 
			 1998-99 2,968 73 
			 1999-2000 3,004 82 
			 2000-01 3,145 25 
		
	
	The appropriation in aid did not distinguish between operating and non-operating income for these periods.

Departmental Stationery

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much his Department has spent on official ministerial  (a) business cards and  (b) headed paper in each year since 1997.

Derek Twigg: This information is not held.

Iraq Conflict

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date  (a) Ministers and  (b) officials in his Department were first informed that a video tape existed of the United States aerial attack which killed Lance-Corporal Hull.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 26 February 2007
	I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given on 20 February 2007,  Official Report, column 370W. The handling of the audio/video recording in question is being investigated. I will write to the hon. Gentleman when the investigation is complete and place a copy of the letter in the Library of the House.
	 Substantive answer from Bob Ainsworth to Julian Lewis:
	You will recall that I wrote to you on 11 September 2007 about the investigation into the handling of the US cockpit recording of an attack on a UK light tank in Iraq on 28 March 2003. We have now received the Joint Army/RAF investigation report on the unauthorised disclosure of the cockpit recording and I am therefore able to give you a substantive response to the specific questions you asked in your parliamentary question (Reference 122369,  Official Report, 5 March 2007 columns 1642/3W).
	I can now confirm that officials were informed of the existence of the CD recording when preparing for the Board of Inquiry into the incident. The recording, among other material, was requested by the Board of Inquiry from the US authorities and received on 23 April 2004 via the MOD's Permanent Joint Headquarters. Ministers received written advice about the existence of the CD recording and its unauthorised disclosure on 2 February 2007 in relation to the issue being raised at the Coroner's inquest.
	As a result of the failings identified, remedial action is being taken. A new security education programme is being introduced as part of a wider security awareness campaign to ensure that those involved in the handling of classified and sensitive material are aware of the rules and procedures to be followed. An instruction on the release of US (and other third country) material during legal proceedings has also been issued to all MOD personnel to remind them of their responsibilities in respect of the secure handling of protectively marked US material, and we are in the process of establishing new arrangements for the management of Boards of Inquiry and Inquests to ensure a more consistent approach across the Department. The US authorities have been informed of the investigation's findings and of the remedial action taken.
	I can assure you that I take the protection of classified material, especially that entrusted to us by a close ally, very seriously, and the Permanent Secretary has asked the chain of command to consider whether administrative or disciplinary action against any individual is appropriate in light of the finding of the report.

Personnel Carriers

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many fully armed personnel carriers are deployed in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan.

Bob Ainsworth: holding answer 28 April 2008
	 I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Kosovo: Peacekeeping Operations

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the rules of engagement will be of the UK operational reserve battalion for its deployment to Kosovo.

Bob Ainsworth: The UK Operational Reserve Force battalion will operate under a UK rules of engagement profile. I am withholding further information as its release would, or would be likely to. prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces.

Kosovo: Peacekeeping Operations

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the mission for the deployment of the UK Operational Reserve Force to Kosovo is.

Bob Ainsworth: The UK Operational Reserve Force battalion will provide NATO with extra flexibility in maintaining peace and stability for all communities in Kosovo.

Massereene Barracks

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the proceeds of the sale of Massereene Barracks in Northern Ireland will be retained within his Department's budget or returned to the Exchequer.

Derek Twigg: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) retains the full benefit of disposal receipts, which form part of the Defence budget agreed with HM Treasury during the periodic spending reviews. In line with Treasury guidance, the proceeds of receipts are reinvested by the MOD in key priorities.

Military Aircraft: Helicopters

Liam Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 30 April 2008,  Official Report, column 484W, on military aircraft: helicopters, what the average number of flying hours flown by helicopter pilots was in  (a) Iraq and  (b) Afghanistan in the last 12 months.

Bob Ainsworth: Between 1 May 2007 and 30 April 2008, the average number of flying hours per helicopter pilot per two-month tour was 106 for those serving in Iraq, and 111 for those serving in Afghanistan.

Written Questions: Government Responses

Julia Goldsworthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to answer 203199, on defence procurement, tabled by the hon. Member for New Forest East on 28 April 2008.

Bob Ainsworth: I replied to the hon. Member on 13 May 2008,  Official Report, column 1528W.

DUCHY OF LANCASTER

Admiralty House

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who owns the freehold to  (a) the Government flats in Admiralty House and  (b) Admiralty Arch.

Phil Hope: The Cabinet Office is responsible for the freeholds of both Admiralty House and Admiralty Arch.

Admiralty House

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1692W, on Admiralty House: official residences, how many bathrooms the official residence occupied by Lord Malloch-Brown has.

Phil Hope: The flat occupied by Lord Malloch-Brown has two bathrooms.

Births

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many births there were in each primary care trust area in 2006-07.

Phil Hope: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 14 May 2008:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your question about how many births there were in each Primary Care Trust area in 2006-2007. (205199)
	Birth statistics from the birth registration system are published on a calendar year basis. The latest year for which figures are available is 2006. The published number of live births in 2006 by Primary Care Trust area was provided to you by the Office for National Statistics in March 2008 in response to a previous question (ref 195752).
	The first release of 2007 birth statistics for England and Wales is planned for summer 2008. The number of live births in 2007 by Primary Care Trust area is a subsequent product of the first release and will be sent to you by the Office for National Statistics once it is available, towards the end of the summer.

Departmental Catering

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the cost was of food and drink procured for working lunches attended by officials at which no external invitees were present in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: The information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	All Cabinet Office expenditure on official hospitality including working lunches is made in accordance with published departmental guidance on financial procedures and propriety, based on principles set out in "Government Accounting" and the Treasury handbook on "Regularity and Propriety".

Integrated Household Survey

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many households will be surveyed by the Integrated Household Survey in each year once the survey is fully implemented.

Phil Hope: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 14 May 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about how many households will be surveyed by the Integrated Household Survey in each year once the survey is fully implemented. (204887)
	The Integrated Household Survey (IHS) is being implemented in a phased way, with four of the initial five component surveys already within the IHS. These are the General Household Survey, Expenditure and Food Survey, Omnibus and the English Housing Survey. The fifth survey, the Labour Force Survey, will join the IHS in 2009. At that point, approximately 200,000 individual households will be interviewed in the IHS annually, split across the five IHS survey modules.
	From 2009, other new social surveys that start up may also become part of the IHS.

Ministers: Pay

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 
	(1)  what the percentage increases in  (a) pension contributions,  (b) salaries and  (c) expense allowances of (i) Cabinet Ministers, (ii) Ministers of State and (iii) Parliamentary Under-Secretaries were in each of the last five years;
	(2)  what the percentage increases in pension payments to former  (a) Cabinet Ministers,  (b) Ministers of State and  (c) Parliamentary Under-Secretaries were in each of the last 10 years.

Helen Goodman: I have been asked to reply.
	The pension contribution of Members increased from 9 per cent. to 10 per cent. of salary in April 2004 for those opting for one fortieth pension accrual. It remained at 6 per cent. of salary for one fiftieth accrual. These pension contribution rates also apply to ministerial salaries.
	Further information on current and historical rates of ministerial salaries and allowances payable to Members is available in the House Library.
	The increases in ministerial salaries are given in the following table.
	
		
			  Date of increase  Size of increase (percentage) 
			 1 April 2003 2.25 
			 1 April 2004 2.00 
			 1 April 2005 2.80 
			 1 April 2006 1.00 
			 1 November 2006 0.99 
			 1 April 2007 0.66 
		
	
	There was no difference in the percentage salary increases between Secretaries of State, Ministers of State or Parliamentary Under-Secretaries.
	 Increases in Allowances
	All Secretaries of State, Ministers of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries in this House are generally entitled to claim the same allowances as any other Member. The exception is that Ministers who are not provided with an official residence in London in respect of their office are entitled to claim the London supplement. They may claim this alongside the additional costs allowance if they also qualify for that allowance.
	
		
			   As at 1 April each year—Size of increase (percentage) 
			  Allowance  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 Additional costs allowance 2.80 3.50 2.40 4.20 4.00 
			 Bicycle 2.78 170.27 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Communications allowance — — — — 4.00 
			 Incidental expenses provision 2.80 3.49 2.20 4.40 4.00 
			 London supplement 2.80 59.95 2.40 6.11 3.70 
			 Motorcycle allowance — 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 
			 Staffing allowance 3.40 8.44 3.80 3.70 3.70 
		
	
	The motor mileage allowance increased by 2.6 per cent. on 1 April 2004. From 1 April 2005 the motor mileage rate was reduced by 30.68 per cent. for the first 10,000 miles, by 56.67 per cent. between 10,001 and 20,000 miles and by 6.02 per cent. for over 20,000 miles. There has been no change to the level of the motor mileage allowance since 1 April 2005.
	As for many public pensions, the increases applied each April to pensions in payment under the parliamentary contributory pension fund, in excess of the guaranteed minimum pension, were linked to the increase in the retail prices index as at the previous September. These increases applied to pensions paid to former Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State and Parliamentary Under-Secretaries. The percentage increases for the last ten years were as follows.
	
		
			  April each year  Increase (percentage) 
			 1999 3.2 
			 2000 1.1 
			 2001 3.3 
			 2002 1.7 
			 2003 1.7 
			 2004 2.8 
			 2005 3.1 
			 2006 2.7 
			 2007 3.6 
			 2008 3.9

Mothers

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what the average age of a first-time mother was in  (a) the North West and  (b) England in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Phil Hope: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated May 2008:
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your request for information on the average age of a first-time mother in (a) the North West and (b) England in the most recent period for which figures are available. (204978)
	It is not possible to provide the information requested because the number of previous children born to a woman is not collected from all mothers at birth registration.
	Estimates of the mean age at first birth are published for England and Wales as a whole. ONS supplements the information on previous children collected from married mothers at birth registration with survey data to produce estimates of first births for England and Wales. However, it is not possible to produce these estimates for England or for sub-national areas.

Population: Wirral

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what information the Office for National Statistics holds on the numbers of people resident in Wirral, West constituency, broken down by age group.

Phil Hope: The information falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated 14 May 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your question concerning the numbers of people resident in Wirral West constituency. (205065)
	The latest population estimates for Parliamentary Constituencies in England and Wales are for mid-2005. The estimates for Wirral West constituency by age group are shown in the attached table.
	
		
			  Population estimates for Wirral West parliamentary constituency, mid-2005 (experimental statistics) 
			  Quinary age groups  Persons 
			 0-4 3,600 
			 5-9 4,300 
			 10-14 5,200 
			 15-19 5,100 
			 20-24 3,600 
			 25-29 2,900 
			 30-34 3,800 
			 35-39 4,900 
			 40-44 5,800 
			 45-49 5,500 
			 50-54 5,300 
			 55-59 5,900 
			 60-64 4,300 
			 65-69 4,000 
			 70-74 4,000 
			 75-79 3,600 
			 80-84 2,800 
			 85+ 2,200 
			 All ages 76,900 
			  Note: These mid-2005 parliamentary constituency population estimates are consistent with the published mid-2005 local authority estimates (August 2007 revisions) and have been rounded to the nearest 100.  Source: Office for National Statistics

Security: Greater London

Francis Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster pursuant to the Cabinet Office's Annual Resource Accounts for 2006-07, in what ways the Government Secure Zone project has been delivered more slowly than expected; and what the  (a) forecast and  (b) outturn expenditure on the project was in 2006-07.

Tom Watson: During 2006-07, the Government Secure Zone (GSZ) programme was delivered with  (a) forecast expenditure of £13,351,000 and  (b) outturn expenditure of £12,767,000 (grant and non-grant) within a total income of £13,386,000 (resource and capital). The main project within the GSZ programme (the "Whitehall Streetscape Improvement" project) was delayed by three months in obtaining planning permission, resulting in a slower delivery and consequential underspend of £619,000 for the 2006-07 financial year.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION

Members: Video Conferencing

Norman Baker: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission 
	(1)  what the reasons were for the decision not to extend the video conferencing trials on the parliamentary estate; and if the Commission will reconsider this decision;
	(2)  what assessment the Commission has made of the merits of video conferencing on the parliamentary estate as a means of reducing the need of staff and hon. Members to travel to meetings.

Nick Harvey: There has been no specific assessment of whether video conferencing would be an effective means of reducing the need of staff and Members to travel to meetings. Parliamentary ICT (PICT) has been running a very limited informal trial of two 'table top' video conferencing products to establish their technical viability and to gain some insight into their potential benefit. This is now complete.
	PICT's work relating to Members ICT has been defined by the Administration Committee in its second report of 2006-07 "Information and Communication Technology Services for Members" (HC 498), as approved by the Commission. The report's recommendations and the programme of work that has been agreed with the Commission do not include extending the provision of video conferencing in the immediate future.
	For Members who do wish to use this type of service a portable video conference facility can be booked via the room booking service for use in some of the meeting rooms in Portcullis House and PICT can offer some advice to Members on the products that they could consider and their cost if they wish to use this service in their own offices.

BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM

Construction: Prices

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform whether he has made a recent assessment of whether construction companies have engaged in price-fixing in the supply of services to the public sector.

Gareth Thomas: This is a matter for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) which is currently investigating allegations of bid-rigging in the construction sector. Information about this investigation may be found in the OFT's press release of 17 April 2008 which is published on their website at:
	http://www.oft.gov.uk/news/press/2008/52-08

Departmental Carbon Emissions

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform how much his Department and its predecessor spent on carbon offsetting in each of the last three years; and to which companies payments for carbon offsetting were made in each such year.

Gareth Thomas: BERR and its predecessor the DTI is part of the cross-government offsetting scheme called Government Carbon Offsetting Fund. All ministerial and official travel is being offset from 1 April 2006. Details are only available from this date.
	For the period 2006-07 the total offsetting cost for air travel was £44,294.33 to offset 4469tCO2e. Data are currently being collected for the 2007-08 reporting year and will be available later in the year.
	The GCOF is being managed by EEA Fund Management Ltd., who won the contract to source and deliver 255,000 Certified Emission Reduction Credits, with a provision for a further 50,000 credits, over three years from a range of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. Credits will be supplied from the project portfolio of Trading Emissions plc, to whom EEA is the investment adviser.

Grayling Political Strategy

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what payments  (a) the UK Atomic Energy Authority and  (b) Postcomm made to Grayling Political Strategy in each of the last five years; on what dates; and for what purpose in each case.

Malcolm Wicks: Since the hon. Member has asked for information specifically related to UKAEA and Postcomm's direct involvement with Grayling, I have asked the companies to write to him directly with the information.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Smoking

Mark Hoban: To ask the Leader of the House how many smoking shelters were built at each of her Department's London buildings in each of the last five years.

Helen Goodman: Due to a machinery of government change in May 2007, the Leader of the House of Commons Office now forms part of the Cabinet Office. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be answering this question shortly on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

TRANSPORT

Aviation

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the environmental implications of airlines running empty or near-empty flights to retain slot allocation.

Jim Fitzpatrick: holding answer 6 May 2008
	 : The EU airport slot allocation regulations require airlines to use their slots for 80 per cent. of the time or return them to be re-allocated to other airlines by the independent slot co-ordinator. The UK independent slot co-ordinator is not aware of any cases at present where an airline is flying empty aircraft to retain an airport slot. Such cases are very rare, the cost of fuel being a disincentive. Hence we have not made an assessment of the environmental impact.

Aviation: Northern Ireland

Greg Hands: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on the future of aviation between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Under the devolution arrangements for Northern Ireland civil aviation is a reserved matter, for which the Secretary of State for Transport has policy responsibility. Under these arrangements, the Secretary of State and Department for Transport officials correspond with Northern Ireland Ministers and officials about a range of civil aviation policy issues.

M20

Damian Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the proposed starting date is for work on Junction 10A of the M20.

Tom Harris: Subject to the satisfactory completion of the necessary statutory procedures and availability of funding, work is due to start in January 2012.

Speed Limits

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what encouragement the Government is giving to those local authorities that wish to introduce 20 mile per hour limits.

Jim Fitzpatrick: Local traffic authorities are responsible for setting local speed limits and have powers to introduce 20 mph speed limits and 20 mph zones if they believe it appropriate to do so. The Department encourages and supports any local authority wishing to introduce 20 mph speed limits.
	This view is reflected in the Department's guidance to local authorities on setting local speed limits, published in August 2006. In addition Traffic Advisory Leaflet 9/99 provides best practice guidelines on setting 20 mph speed limits and 20 mph zones.

WALES

Statutory Instruments

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many statutory instruments have been  (a) made and  (b) revoked by Ministers in his Department since 1997.

Paul Murphy: The Wales Office was only created in 1999. Since then it has made 57 statutory instruments and revoked none.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

Admiralty House

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2564W, on Admiralty House, what the cost of the repainting of Admiralty House for Lord Malloch-Brown's residence was after the former Deputy Prime Minister vacated the residence.

Meg Munn: The cost of repainting two bedrooms, an adjacent corridor and one bathroom in the flat at Admiralty House totalled £7,137.42 (including value added tax). Admiralty House is a Grade 1 listed building and is maintained in line with that status.

Afghanistan: Education

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps are being taken by his Department to improve the education system in Afghanistan.

Meg Munn: Improving access for all to quality education across Afghanistan is a critical element to our comprehensive approach to bring security, stability and reconstruction to Afghanistan.
	The Department for International Development (DfID) has the UK lead in supporting education in Afghanistan. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that DfID provides funding (£55 million in 2007-08) to the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund. This fund pays the salaries of over 100,000 teachers and 90 per cent. of the Ministry of Education's wage bill. In this way DfID funding has contributed to an increase from one million pupils in 2001 to six million today, and an increase from approximately 21,000 teachers in 2001 to more than 128,000 today. In addition, since 2002, over 2,000 schools have been built or reconstructed. Officials at our embassy in Kabul work closely with the Afghan Minister for Education, parliamentarians, officials, non-governmental organisations and teachers as they work to improve education in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what critical military gaps in NATO's deployment in Afghanistan remain to be filled.

Meg Munn: Military requirements in Afghanistan are decided by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and laid out in the Combined Joint Statement of Requirement. Despite the recent increases in commitment made by many of our allies there remain shortfalls in some areas such as training and mentoring teams, combat troops, in the south and east, and support helicopters. The UK continues to work with partners to address these shortfalls.
	Information on national contributions can be found on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Ministry of Defence and NATO websites:
	http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/fco-in-action/uk-in-afghanistan/
	http://www.mod.uk/DefenceIntemet/DefenceNews/InDepth/OperationsInAfghanistan.html
	http://www.nato.int/isaf/index.html

Ballistic Missile Defence

Linda Gilroy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with his EU counterparts on the implications of missile defence policy for EU foreign policy.

Jim Murphy: holding answer 13 May 2008
	I have had no discussion with my EU counterparts on the issue of missile defence in the context of EU foreign policy. The European security and defence policy gives the EU the capability to undertake civilian and military crisis management operations. It has no competence to consider ballistic missile defence.

Burma: Politics and Government

Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Burmese government on  (a) human rights violations and  (b) the introduction of democratic institutions in that country.

Meg Munn: holding answer 13 May 2008
	The lack of respect for democracy and human rights in Burma is of grave concern to the Government. We take every opportunity to raise concerns with the Burmese authorities, at the relevant multilateral organisations, and with countries in the region that have an influence over the regime. Before the devastating cyclone hit Burma, we called for urgent action ahead of the 10 May referendum because, as currently conceived, the process designed by the Burmese regime will not deliver the reconciliation, stability and prosperity that Burma needs. Nor will it address the long-standing violations of human rights. Since the cyclone hit Burma, our efforts have focused on seeking to provide humanitarian support.

China: Tibet

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make representations to the government of China to encourage it to  (a) reach agreement with representatives of the Dalai Lama on Tibet and  (b) publish a record of the discussions which it holds with those representatives.

Meg Munn: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister spoke to Premier Wen about the situation in Tibet on 19 March, urging restraint and dialogue with the Dalai Lama. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary further emphasised the need for dialogue when he spoke to Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on 21 and 28 March, and 7 April. We have been raising the situation with the Chinese, both in Beijing and in London, on a regular basis. We are aware that Chinese officials met with representatives of the Dalai Lama on 4 May. We welcome this as the first step towards resumption of dialogue between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama and his representatives. We hope that dialogue will now continue, with substantive matters being discussed, in order to resolve the underlying issues.
	We continue to urge greater transparency from the Chinese authorities on the issue of Tibet. However, it is for the Government of China and representatives of the Dalai Lama to decide whether or not to publicise the detail of their discussions.

Departmental Buildings

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has made for the future use of 1 Carlton Gardens following the decision not to use the property as a Ministerial residence; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: We are currently in negotiation with The Crown Estate about the future of the lease on 1 Carlton Gardens.

Departmental Freedom of Information

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many freedom of information requests made to his Department were  (a) answered (i) within 20 days, (ii) within 40 days, (iii) within 60 days, (iv) after 60 days,  (b) not answered and  (c) answered citing an exemption in the Freedom of Information Act 2000 as a reason not to provide the requested information in each year since the Act came into force.

Meg Munn: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has published two annual reports containing statistical information on freedom of information requests received by monitored bodies including Central Government Departments in 2005 and 2006. These reports can be found at the following web address:
	http://www.dca.gov.uk/foi/reference/statisticsAndReports.htm
	The 2007 Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) annual report is currently being drafted for publication in June 2008. However, statistics on requests received in each quarter of 2007 have been published and can be found via the MOJ website:
	http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/freedomofinformationquarterly.htm
	The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) requires public bodies to respond to written requests within 20 working days of receipt, but allows additional time for the consideration of the public interest in disclosing the requested information.
	The published reports provide statistics on the number of "non-routine" requests received during each period where: an initial response was provided within 20 working days; an initial response was given outside this time but a public interest test extension had been applied; an initial response was given outside this time and no public interest test extension was applied; and where no initial response had been given at the time the statistics were collected.
	The 2006 FCO annual report provides statistics on the duration of the public interest test extensions in that year. Corresponding statistics for 2007 will be available when the 2007 annual report is published.
	Information on requests where deadlines were extended beyond 40 days is not collected in the form requested; however the proportion of resolvable requests the Department answered "in time" (that is, meeting the deadline or within a permitted extension) in 2007 was 98 per cent.
	For 2005 and 2006, the reports show the number of requests received by the department which were withheld, either in full or in part, where an FOIA exemption or Environmental Information Regulations exception was applied. For 2007, the number of such requests was 254, based on aggregated quarterly statistics from 2007. Requests withheld solely under the exemption applicable to "information available by other means" are not included; statistics on these are not collected centrally because they are dealt with as routine business.

Diego Garcia: Rendition

Andrew Tyrie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1713W, on Diego Garcia: rendition, whether any UK official met each of the two individuals during their detention.

Meg Munn: holding answer 6 May 2008
	We have no information to suggest that the two individuals concerned met UK officials during their detention.

Gaza: Fuels

Andrew Dismore: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received on attacks against fuel convoys entering Gaza; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: holding answer 12 May 2008
	We are aware that Palestinian militants have attacked crossing points at Nahal Oz on 9 April, Kerem Shalom and Nahal Oz on 17 April and Erez on 21 April. We condemn such actions which serve only to increase the suffering of the people of Gaza. We urge all parties to ensure that basic humanitarian supplies, including fuel, are maintained.

India: Family Planning

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of India on population control policies.

Shahid Malik: I have been asked to reply.
	The Department for International Development (DFID) has had discussions with officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of the Government of India on population issues in the context of the Reproductive and Child Health Programme (RCH-2), to which DFID contributes. DFID has committed £252 million to the programme from 2005 to 2011.
	RCH-2, launched in April 2005, is the Government of India's key programme to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for reducing maternal and child mortality. The programme seeks to expand the range of information and services available on contraception, particularly to the poorest populations. The programme will increase access to reversible methods of contraception, which will allow young women to delay childbearing and all women to have a longer interval between births. This will improve the health of children as well as mothers.
	The most recent joint government and donor review of this programme took place in February 2008. The review found that there has been an increase in the provision of family planning, and particularly of reversible methods of contraception.

Iraq: Administration of Justice

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which prosecuting authority has responsibility to prosecute alleged criminal offences committed by contractors working for HM Government in Iraq.

Meg Munn: Jurisdiction over contractors working for the government in Iraq is covered by Coalition Provisional Authority Order Number 17 (Revised) (CPA17).
	Under CPA17, contractors are not subject to Iraqi laws and regulations in matters relating to the terms and conditions of their contracts. But the provisions of CPA17 are without prejudice to the exercise of jurisdiction by the sending state and the state of nationality of a contractor in accordance with applicable laws. The sending state may, however, waive immunity for contractors if requested.
	If any personnel, employed by organisations contracted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), were suspected of committing a crime in Iraq, but appeared to be immune from Iraqi legal process, the FCO would refer them to the disciplinary authority of their employing organisation with a view to having them removed from our contract in Iraq. The FCO would also bring the matter to the attention of the UK police and/or the authorities of the individual's nationality. The decision whether to pursue a UK criminal investigation, and ultimately whether a prosecution should be undertaken in an individual case, would be a matter for the UK police and prosecuting authorities, acting independently from the Government.
	In the case of suspected non-criminal misconduct, we would take up the matter with the employing organisation, and either investigate the matter or have the employing organisation do so and report to us, depending on the circumstances and the nature of the allegations.

Iraq: Embassies

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will initiate an independent inquiry into allegations of sexual abuse on the part of staff contracted to work at HM embassy, Baghdad.

Jim Murphy: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) was made aware of these allegations in June 2007. The complainants were interviewed promptly and in detail by senior members of our embassy staff. However, as the allegations were made both by and against employees of a company contracted by the FCO, we asked the company concerned to send staff from its UK office to take forward the investigation. They did so thoroughly and professionally in June 2007 and we accepted their conclusions and recommendations. We have since reviewed this decision and have concluded that there are no grounds for reopening the case.

KBR

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contracts have been fulfilled for his Department by KBR in the last five years; what the  (a) value,  (b) purpose and  (c) duration was of each such contract; and where the work to fulfill the contract was performed in each case.

Meg Munn: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) currently have one contract with KBR, for the provision of life support services to our Embassy in Baghdad and the Contingency Operating Base in Basra, Iraq:
	at award this contract was valued at £3.5 million approximately per annum. This does, however, not take account of the varying requirements for supplies of fuel and water which are in part subject to demand;
	the contract provides catering, commissary, laundry, cleaning, site waste removal/vector control services, site management and related resource in addition to providing bottled and tankered water and fuel supplies; and
	the contract commenced in February 2006 and ends on 26 February 2009, and is due for re-tender shortly.
	All FCO contracts are subject to a rigorous selection process so that we obtain best value for money. Any company engaged by the FCO needs to pass through a stringent and transparent procurement process, in line with public procurement guidelines and best practice. The same rigorous process is followed in the contract management and performance monitoring of these contracts.

Maldives: Elections

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution the UK is making to international efforts to ensure a fair election in the Maldives; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: The UK is providing financial support for Commonwealth efforts to improve the Maldivian legislative electoral framework. Free, fair and credible elections are a crucial element of democratic reform in the Maldives. My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, emphasised this point to Dr. Mohamad Asim, the Maldivian high commissioner in March. He also pointed out that the freedom of politicians and political parties to be able to campaign and debate freely was a cornerstone of democracy.

Nepal: Human Rights

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the government of Nepal on the observance of human rights.

Meg Munn: Throughout the recent pre-election period, the UK maintained its strong support for the work of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and other local, and international, human rights organisations in Nepal. In a joint public statement, issued on the eve of elections, we noted our deep concern at the election- related killings, abductions, disturbances and intimidation which were taking place in parts of the country. We also condemned those who had sought to disrupt the elections and stressed that the people of Nepal should be able to choose their new representatives, free from fear and threat. Following elections, we will continue to urge the Government of Nepal to investigate all cases of past human rights violations and abuses, and bring an end to the culture of impunity.
	On 22 April, the UK joined an EU demarche to the Government of Nepal to protest about the violation of rights of Tibetan demonstrators in Kathmandu and elsewhere in Nepal, as well as the excessive use offered against them. The actions by Nepalese police violated individuals' rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly and we have urged a thorough investigation of these incidents.

Nepal: Politics and Government

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the political situation in Nepal following the constituent assembly elections on 10 April 2008.

Meg Munn: Along with the international community, the UK welcomed the largely peaceful elections to a Constituent Assembly which were held on 10 April. The election results clearly demonstrated the people of Nepal's desire for peace and change and we are urging all parties to respect this mandate and work together to deliver lasting peace and development in Nepal. As a long-standing friend of Nepal, the UK stands ready to help support the new government at this critical juncture in the country's transition.

Syria: Human Rights

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the government of Syria on human rights in relation to the universal periodic review conducted by the UN Human Rights Council.

Meg Munn: Our ambassador in Damascus raised the periodic review of the UK by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) with officials at the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 28 April. He welcomed the review, underlined our support for these mechanisms and looked forward to other states working with the HRC in the same constructive way.
	Syria will be one of the last countries to be reviewed under the UN's new universal periodic review process in 2011. The UK has not yet engaged in dialogue with Syria on its review. However, we are prepared to do so when they start to prepare for this important process.
	In the meantime, the UK continues to have serious concerns about the human rights situation in Syria, which has deteriorated worryingly in recent months. We continue to call on Syria to abide by its international obligations on human rights. Our embassy in Damascus, working with other EU missions, continues to press the Syrians to improve conditions in general as well as raising individual cases of concern.

Zimbabwe: Arms Trade

Chris Mullin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Chinese authorities on the delivery of arms to Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement.

Meg Munn: We have lobbied the Chinese Government in Beijing not to supply arms to Zimbabwe on four occasions since a Chinese ship attempted to unload in Durban. The EU already has in place a ban on the sales of arms to Zimbabwe. We support a moratorium on arms sales until there is a return to democracy and good governance. We raised this with the support of other states in the UN Security Council.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Agriculture: Wastes

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the effect of the abolition of the agricultural buildings allowance for slurry storage facilities on  (a) the average net income of farmers,  (b) implementation of nitrate vulnerable zones and  (c) trends in nitrate levels.

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.
	The withdrawal of the Agricultural Buildings Allowance (ABA) is part of a package of measures introduced at Budget 2007 which also saw the reduction of the main rate of corporation tax and the introduction of a £50,000 Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), allowing 95 per cent. of businesses to write off all their expenditure on plant and machinery (excluding cars) in the year in which it is made. The effect of this package will vary according to the particular circumstances of a business.
	Slurry storage facilities may be considered plant and machinery and therefore be eligible for plant and machinery capital allowances (both the AIA and writing-down allowances) at 20 per cent. a year on any balance of expenditure not covered by the AIA where the storage of the slurry is incidental to its final use.

Departmental Aviation

Francis Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the cost to his Department of air travel excluding carbon offsetting was in 2006-07.

Jonathan R Shaw: For the period April 2006 to December 2007 inclusive, and from information held centrally, for core-DEFRA, the Animal Health Agency, the Centre for Environmental, Fisheries and Aquacultural Science, the Government Decontamination Service, and the Rural Payments Agency, expenditure on air travel by Ministers and officials was £3,447,090. Expenditure on travel is undertaken in accordance with departmental travel policy. For the financial year 2006-07, DEFRA will procure credits through the Government's Carbon Offsetting Fund to offset 2,864 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) for its flights.
	Details of overseas travel by Cabinet Ministers are published annually by Government and is accessible at:
	http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/proprietyandethics/ministers.aspx
	The list includes details about the number of officials accompanying a Minister when non-scheduled travel is used for the trip. Copies of lists covering information going back to the 1997-98 financial year are available in the Libraries of the House.
	Expenditure on travel is undertaken in accordance with departmental travel policy.

Departmental Internet

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was spent on the most recent redesign and implementation of his Departmental website.

Jonathan R Shaw: The most recent redesign and implementation of the DEFRA website took place between January and April 2007. Redesign work was undertaken by a third party at a cost of £27,342; implementation was achieved using existing in-house resources.
	Specifically, the cost of this work related to the development of new design options and usage guidelines, page templates and stylesheets, and improvements to the general accessibility of the site.

Departmental Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his most recent estimate is of the unfunded liability in present value terms of each public sector pension scheme for which his Department is responsible; and on what assumptions for  (a) discount and  (b) longevity the estimate is based.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA is not responsible for the administration of any public sector pension scheme but most of its staff are members of the Principal Civil Service Pension scheme (PCSPS). The information requested and other useful information is contained in the scheme's annual resource accounts which can be accessed via its website:
	www.civilservice-pensions.gov.uk
	and is also available from the House of Commons Library.

Departmental Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the unfunded liability in present value terms was of each public sector pension scheme for which his Department is responsible in each year since 1990-91.

Jonathan R Shaw: Information on liabilities in present value terms is in the scheme's annual Resource Accounts (since 2000-01) although these are produced under differing sets of assumptions (e.g. on longevity), so are not directly comparable across years. The vast majority of DEFRA staff are members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS) and the Resource Accounts can be accessed via the scheme's website at:
	www.civilservice-pensions.gov.uk
	and are also available from the House of Commons Library.

Departmental Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the  (a) rate and  (b) cost was of employer contributions for each public sector pension scheme for which his Department has responsibility in each year since 1990-91; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: The vast majority of DEFRA staff are members of the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (PCSPS). The information requested is contained in the scheme's annual Resource Accounts since 2000-01.

Departmental Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the effect on his Department's expenditure would be of increasing the employee contribution to each pension scheme for which his Department is responsible by one per cent.; and if he will make a statement.

Jonathan R Shaw: An increase to the employee contribution would have a nil effect on the Department's expenditure.

Facilities Management

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment he has made of the reasons why an in-house bid has not been made with regard to his Department's plans to outsource the facilities management functions in his Department and its agencies.

Jonathan R Shaw: holding answer 14 March 2008
	Discussions have been held with departmental trade union side on the issue of an in-house bid. In those discussions, it was made clear that all bids would be treated equally. However, no such bid has been made. It is not for us to say why, but it should be noted that the proposed contract is far-reaching and requires far more than a replication of services currently delivered by the in-house team.

Fisheries: Quotas

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what his policy is on placing a limit on catches for all EU vessels fishing within the UK 12 mile limit.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA has no plans to place a limit on catches for all EU vessels fishing within the UK 12 mile limit.

Fisheries: Quotas

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what mechanisms other than EU quotas there are to limit the activities of non-UK fishing vessels within the UK 12 mile limit in respect of  (a) fish and  (b) shellfish catches; and what mechanisms there are to enable EU member states to manage their own inshore shellfisheries without derogating from the Common Fisheries Policy.

Jonathan R Shaw: The activities of non-UK vessels in our waters would be subject to the full range of controls under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), including limitations on effort for those capable of catching any of the relevant recovery or management plan stocks. Otherwise, individual member states may extend any more stringent national rules applying to their own vessels to those of other member states, providing the Commission, relevant Regional Advisory Councils and the member states concerned are content.
	We have no EU measures on shellfish but certain member states have limits at national level.

Fisheries: Shellfish

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of changes in the  (a) capacity of and  (b) catch taken by non-UK fishing vessels with historical practice access to UK waters within the 12 mile limit and which target crabs and lobster since 1997; and whether the same minimum landing sizes of crabs apply to vessels from other EU member states and UK vessels when fishing in those waters;
	(2)  what data his Department receives on catches by fishing vessels from other EU member states within the six to 12 mile band of UK waters.

Jonathan R Shaw: DEFRA does not hold data on changes in capacity and catches by foreign vessels within the 12 mile limit. Minimum landing sizes, as set out in EU legislation, must by complied with by all EU-flagged vessels.

Fisheries: Shellfish

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what shellfish stock assessment measures there are in respect of the six to 12 mile band of UK waters for the purpose of enabling accreditation schemes to demonstrate sustainability.

Jonathan R Shaw: There is a range of stock assessment measures in place for shellfish at regional, national and EU levels, but there are no national or EU measures which explicitly relate only to the six to 12 mile zone. Sea Fisheries Committees (SFC) have introduced, or are in the process of introducing, a number of measures for the explicit purpose of gaining Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) accreditation, for instance South Wales SFC's management of the Burry Inlet cockle fishery, and North East Sea Fisheries Committee's (NESFC) attempt to gain accreditation for the local lobster fishery. These SFC measures, however, apply out to six miles only.
	While none of the aforementioned measures has been introduced specifically for the purpose of enabling accreditation schemes to demonstrate sustainability, such measures are seen as an integral part of any shellfish management plan which would be a pre-requisite for gaining accreditation.

Flood Control

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research he has  (a) commissioned and  (b) evaluated on the contribution of land management to reducing flooding.

Phil Woolas: DEFRA published the findings of a major review of the impacts of rural land use and management on flood generation in November 2004. Subsequently, further work was commissioned on the analysis of historical data sets to look for the impacts of land use and management change on flood generation. The final report will be published later this year.
	As part of the Government's making space for water delivery plan, the Environment Agency led a project to assess both the implications of land management change to flood risk at individual farm and catchment scale. This work included an update of the 2004 review.
	Work was commissioned as part of the DEFRA-funded ripon project to model the effects of catchment scale land management in that area.
	A research project to monitor and analyse the long-term impacts of land use change associated with the united utilities sustainable catchment management plan in North West has been commissioned under the joint DEFRA/Environment Agency flood risk management Research and Development programme.

Horses: Exports

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many horse and pony export licences were issued in each of the last three years.

Jonathan R Shaw: The number of licences issued in each of the last three years, in connection with horses and ponies exported from English ports or airports, is as follows:
	
		
			   2007  2006  2005 
			 Horses 4,630 3,967 4,034 
			 Ponies 527 457 541 
			 Total 5,157 4,424 4,575

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what analysis he has commissioned of the costs and benefits of the implementation of nitrate vulnerable zones.

Phil Woolas: We intend to announce and publish our response to the nitrate vulnerable zones consultation before Parliament breaks for summer recess. This will include a summary of what the Department plans to do as a result of the consultation responses.
	The draft proposals which were subject to consultation earlier this year were costed.

Rural Areas: Visits

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate he has made of the number of visits made to the countryside in  (a) the 12 months prior to and  (b) each year since the Countryside Rights of Way Act 2000 gained Royal Assent; and what assessment he has made of the effect of the provisions of the Act on the numbers of people visiting the countryside.

Jonathan R Shaw: No national monitoring of the number of visits made to the countryside was undertaken in the 12 months prior to the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW) receiving Royal Assent on 30 November 2000. However, the UK Day Visit survey 1998 estimated that there were 1253 million visits to the countryside that year.
	The Leisure Day Visits survey 2002-03 for England estimated that there were 1126 million visits to the countryside and a further 200 million to the 'seaside coast'.
	The England Day Visits survey 2005 reported that in the twelve months surveyed there were approximately 692 million leisure visits made to the countryside and a further 72 million leisure visits made to the 'seaside coast'. Of these, 21.2 million trips were made to open access land which was introduced by the CROW Act and fully rolled out by October 2005.
	Natural England is currently designing a new methodology for a day leisure visits survey and there is no further breakdown of figures available until the survey is published.
	Due to differences in the methodologies, the figures in these surveys are not directly comparable.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland Prison Service

David Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent representations he has received on the pay scales of prison officers in the Northern Ireland prison service.

Paul Goggins: The pay scales for prison officers in the Northern Ireland Prison Service are recommended by the Prison Service Pay Review Body. The current scales were set as part of an agreed three year pay and efficiency agreement.

Security

Eddie McGrady: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent assessment he has made of the security situation in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: I welcome the publication of the 18th IMC report on 1 May indicating the continued significant improvement of the security situation in Northern Ireland.
	I took that report into account in my recent review of specified organisations. I will lay today a draft order under the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998 which will result in the de-specification of the Ulster Volunteer Force/Red Hand Commandos and the specification of Oglaigh na hEireann.

Economy

Christopher Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the prospects for the Northern Ireland economy.

Shaun Woodward: I have regular discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and we believe that the prospects for the Northern Ireland economy are very encouraging. Last week's successful US Investment Conference is an excellent illustration of Northern Ireland's potential for growth.

Criminal Justice and Policing: Devolution

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the devolution of criminal justice and policing to Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: The Government are ready to transfer responsibility for policing and justice as soon as the Assembly requests this. The people of Northern Ireland want to see policing and justice devolve. Significant progress has been made on this since last May, not least with the publication of the Assembly's report which I laid before Parliament on 25 March 2008. I hope the parties will reach agreement on the timing without delay and complete the process of devolution.

PSNI

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Catholics were recruited as police officers by the Police Service of Northern Ireland in the last 12 months.

Paul Goggins: Between 29 April 2007 and 20 April 2008, 225 Catholic officers were recruited to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Energy Performance Certificates: Housing

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what role his Department had in the  (a) introduction of energy performance certificates for the sale of existing residential dwellings in Northern Ireland and  (b) decision not to introduce home information packs in respect of sales of residential properties in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: This is a devolved matter and the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Departments for Social Development and Finance and Personnel.

Prisoners: Self-Mutilation

Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many instances of self-harm there were in each of Northern Ireland's prison and detention centres in each of the last three years.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Incidents of self-harm 
			  Financial year  HMP Maghaberry  HMP Magilligan  HMP Hydebank  Wood  Total 
			 2005-06 94 14 93 201 
			 2006-07 88 10 108 206 
			 2007-08 69 11 101 181

INNOVATION, UNIVERSITIES AND SKILLS

Adult Education: Finance

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much his Department has spent to support adult learners completing their first full level three course in further education in each of the last five years.

Bill Rammell: Our ambition for higher intermediate skills (level 3) is critical to our future competitiveness and economic success. The Government's response to Leitch 'World Class Skills: implementing the Leitch review of skills in England' (July, 2007) committed to the Leitch level 3 ambition, which equates to 1.9 million more adults achieving level 3 by 2020.
	In terms of milestones, this will mean moving from 49.2 per cent. of the adult population (19+) with level 3 or higher qualifications in 2006 to 56 per cent. by 2011 and up to 68 per cent. by 2020.
	Using actual and planned learner numbers on full level 3 qualifications it is possible to estimate the level of public funding invested in these qualifications. This estimate covers expenditure on all full level 3 qualifications as data are not collected on the number of learners undertaking a first full level 3 qualification. The following table sets out information from 2005-06 to 2010-11 based on the structure of the 2008-09 Grant Letter to the Learning and Skills Council. It covers the years that we are able to estimate on the overall level of investment in full level 3 qualifications.
	
		
			  Estimated public investment in adult (aged 19+) full level 3 qualifications 
			  £000 (rounded to the nearest £ million) 
			   2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  2008-09  2009-10  2010-11 
			 Adult learner responsive model 248,000 254,000 268,000 313,000 373,000 412,000 
			 Employer responsive model 36,000 42,000 88,000 143,000 168,000 362,000 
			 Total 284,000 296,000 356,000 456,000 541,000 774,000

Apprentices

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what data he holds on the geographical distribution of apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: Data on the geographical distribution of apprentices are derived from the home postcode of each individual apprentice. This enables geographical analysis at any level of aggregation for which a postcode definition is available. We routinely make data available at regional and local authority level. Postcode information for those on apprenticeships in the Army is recorded against a single central address for security reasons.
	The 16 to 18 participation statistical first release, published in June each year by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, provides a regional breakdown of those on apprenticeships and further information by region is available on the Learning and Skills Council's website. The individualised learner record also holds postcode data about apprenticeship providers and the location the apprenticeship is delivered.

Apprentices: Employment

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many people who have completed apprenticeships since 1997 are presently unemployed; and how many of these are long-term unemployed.

David Lammy: The Annual Population Survey (APS) can be used to provide estimates about the labour market status of people who have completed an apprenticeship. It does not collect information about when the apprenticeship was completed and does not distinguish between publicly funded and other types of apprenticeship. Estimates from the APS show that of those people in England aged 16-35 in 2006 who had completed an apprenticeship 22,000 were unemployed according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) definition. This represents an ILO unemployment rate of 3.3 per cent. Around 8,000 of the 22,000 had been ILO unemployed for at least six months

Astronomy: Research

David Heathcoat-Amory: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much expenditure from the public purse was spent on research in  (a) astronomy and  (b) space science for 2007-08; and how much is planned to be spent for 2008-09; and what records he holds on comparative expenditure in other OECD states.

Ian Pearson: The Government provide funding to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) to support research and related postgraduate training in particle physics, astronomy, space science, nuclear physics, synchrotron radiation, neutron sources and high power lasers. STFC's expenditure on research in astronomy and space science is set out below. The Government do not hold records of comparative expenditure in other OECD states.
	
		
			  Expenditure 
			  £000 
			   (i) 2007-08( 1)  (ii) 2008-09( 2) 
			  (a) Astronomy 57,812 71,042 
			  (b) Space Science 95,592 108,385 
			 (1) Figures for 2007/08 are based on current end of year figures. (2) Figures for 2008/09 are based on the provisional budget.

Further Education: Finance

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what the average cost of a further education level 3 course is.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) have a national funding rate for each level 3 qualification. The funding rate is based on the number of hours required to complete the course and includes a national fee assumption so that learners (not eligible for full fee remission) will contribute to the cost of the course. For the 2007/08 academic year the national fee assumption is 37.5 per cent. of the national funding rate.
	The following table sets out the national funding rate for the most popular level 3 qualifications and the national fee assumption related to that type of qualification.
	
		
			  National funding rate and fee assumption for level 3 courses 
			  £ 
			  Course type  National base rates( 1)  Fee assumption (37.5  per cent. ) 
			 Key Skills 237 89 
			 AS or A2 level (daytime study) 845 317 
			 Applied AS or A2 level (daytime study) 2,641 990 
			 GNVQ 2,641 990 
			 Edexcel/OCR National Diploma 6,333 2,375 
			 Edexcel/OCR National Certificate 5,103 1,913 
			 Access to HE 3,051 1,144 
			 (1 )Figures relate to duration of course rather than providing a per year rate as course lengths vary 
		
	
	While the national fee assumption is taken into account in the calculation of funding rates, it is for colleges and providers to determine the actual level of fee charged. It is therefore not possible to provide an average cost of a further education course to the learner.
	In relation to the cost to the Department the average cost of a full level 3 course per year has been estimated at around £1,500 per year for the financial year 2007-08.

Higher Education: Northamptonshire

Peter Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills if he will bring forward proposals to establish a multi-campus university in North Northamptonshire.

Bill Rammell: We want to give everyone who has the talent the chance to go to university whether they are about to leave school or already in work. Students should have access to local provision offering flexible courses to suit their needs. We are therefore delighted by the interest that our new university challenge has generated. This policy also offers places the opportunity to unlock the potential in their area by working with those involved in regeneration and economic planning to provide locally-based HE provision. We have already agreed to meet delegations from towns in North Northamptonshire to discuss these issues. Any proposals for new university campuses or centres of HE will be assessed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

Job Creation: EU Economic Policy

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what estimate his Department has made of the number of jobs created as a direct consequence of the Lisbon Agenda; at what cost per job; and if he will make a statement.

David Lammy: The Lisbon Strategy for Jobs and Growth was re-launched in 2005 and in that period employment has increased by almost 6.5 million in the EU. Exchange of best practice between member states, on policies owned nationally, is at the heart of the strategy but focused on outcomes not costs.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Departmental Manpower

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 6 March 2008,  Official Report, column 2807W, on departmental manpower, how many of his Department's staff under 18 years old were receiving at least one day's training per week in the most recent period for which figures are available.

Anne McGuire: Information on how many of the Department's under 18-years-old were receiving at least one day's training per week is not held centrally; this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Departmental Pensions

Jim Cousins: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many employees in his Department  (a) contracted out of and  (b) contributed to SERPS/S2P in each year since 2001-02, broken down by (i) sex and (ii) age cohort.

Mike O'Brien: Such information as is readily obtainable is given as follows.
	The Principal Civil Service Pensions Scheme (PCSPS) is a 'contracted out' scheme. However, women aged over 60 and men aged over 65 cannot contract out of S2P. All other employees would be automatically contracted out of S2P unless they decided not to join the scheme.
	We are unable to extract data for a number of staff during 2006-07 as this information is held on a legacy system, which could be accessed only at disproportionate cost. The available data is contained in the tables and is for the tax year 2006-07 relating to 91,504 staff and 2007-08 relating to 125,476 staff, broken down by (i) sex and (ii) age cohort.
	
		
			  Number contracted in at end of 2006-07 tax year 
			  Gender  Age band 1 (under 21)  Age band 2 (21-25)  Age band 3 (26-30)  Age band 4 (31-35)  Age band 5 (36-40)  Age band 6 (41-45)  Age band 7 (46+)  Total 
			 Female 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,765 1,765 
			 Male 0 0 0 0 0 0 147 147 
			 Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,912 1,912 
			  Note: No data prior to age band 7 available from data source due to disproportionate costs.  Source: FAMIS (INGRES). 
		
	
	
		
			  Number contracted in at  end of 2007-08  tax year 
			  Gender  Age band 1 (under 21)  Age band 2 (21-25)  Age band 3 (26-30)  Age band 4 (31-35)  Age band 5 (36-40)  Age band 6 (41-45)  Age band 7 (46+)  Total 
			 Female 129 411 235 140 112 118 2,893 4,038 
			 Male 99 271 187 105 82 92 498 1,334 
			 Total 228 682 422 245 194 210 3,391 5,372 
			  Source: Resource Management (RM) Payroll. 
		
	
	
		
			  Number  contracted out  at  end of 2006-07  tax year 
			  Gender  Age band  1  (under 21)  Age band 2 (21-25)  Age band 3 (26-30)  Age band 4 (31-35)  Age band 5 (36-40)  Age band 6 (41-45)  Age band 7 (46+)  Total 
			 Female 684 2,837 5,418 7,116 10,080 11,793 23,342 61,270 
			 Male 272 1,404 2,559 3,109 4,163 4,609 12,206 28,322 
			 Total 956 4,241 7,977 10,225 14,243 16,402 35,548 89,592 
			  Source: FAMIS (INGRES). 
		
	
	
		
			  Number  contracted out  at  end of 2007-08  tax year 
			  Gender  Age band  1  (under 21)  Age band 2 (21-25)  Age band 3 (26-30)  Age band 4 (31-35)  Age band 5 (36-40)  Age band 6 (41-45)  Age band 7 (46+)  Total 
			 Female 245 2,983 6,838 8,280 12,318 16,500 35,632 82,796 
			 Male 109 1,512 3,208 3,795 5,039 6,196 17,449 37,308 
			 Total 354 4,495 10,046 12,075 17,357 22,696 53,081 120,104 
			  Source: Resource Management (RM) Payroll.

Departmental Sick Leave

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the level of  (a) sickness and  (b) unauthorised absence was in (i) his Department and (ii) each of its agencies in each year since 1996-97; what targets are in place for a reduction in sickness and unauthorised absence; and if he will make a statement.

Anne McGuire: The information available is provided in the following tables:
	 Sickness Absence
	The Department for Work and Pensions was created in July 2001. The overall figures prior to this date relate to absence levels in the Department of Social Security (DSS) Group (the main predecessor to the DWP) and the Employment Service. A comprehensive breakdown of DSS' agencies' figures prior to 2001 is not available.
	The figures relate to working days lost per staff year and are taken from the report titled Analysis of Sickness Absence in the Civil Service, which was published annually by the Cabinet Office.
	The DWP has a sickness absence target of 7.7 days per staff year to be achieved by April 2010. Each of the DWP businesses contributes to achieving the overall DWP target.
	
		
			  Department  1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 Employment Service — 11.5 11.8 — — — — — — — 
			 DSS Group 10.8 10.9 11.0 — — — — — — — 
			 Appeals Service — — — — — — — — — — 
			 Child Support Agency — — — 11.0 11.6 13.8 11.6 11.2 13.9 — 
			 Disability and Carers Service — — — — — — — 9.0 12.1 — 
			 Employment Service — — — 12.8 13.5 — — — — — 
			 Job Centre Plus (Benefits Agency pre-2002) — — — 10.6 10.8 12.0 9.8 10.3 11.1 — 
			 Pensions Service — — — — — 10.5 9.5 9.3 10.0 — 
			 DWP Other — — — 9.4 10.1 9.8 8.1 9.4 9.8 — 
			 DWP Overall — — — 11.1 10.8 11.6 9.6 10.1 11.1 10.3 
		
	
	 Unauthorised Absence
	Prior to April 2007, we are only able to provide figures for unauthorised absences specifically due to industrial action. From April 2007, a new personnel computer system was introduced that records all types of unauthorised absence, including industrial action. Therefore, the 2007-08 figures include all types of unauthorised absence.
	The Department does not have a specific target related to unauthorised absence.
	
		
			  Department  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007  2008 
			 Jobcentre Plus (BA/ES) 154,928 97,058 134 179,822 0 109,430 116,188 78,054 
			 Child Support Agency 0 14 0 25,073 0 14,665 16,182 9,850 
			 Pensions Service(1) 0 38 0 50,331 0 23,367 21,467 15,415 
			 Disability and Carers Service(1) 0 0 0 14,917 0 8,143 8,402 3,528 
			 Corporate Centre 0 2 0 16,790 0 8,996 8,631 4,989 
			 DWP Total 154,928 97,112 134 286,933 0 164,601 170,870 111,836 
			 (1 )From 1 April 2008 The Pension Service and Disability and Carers Service combined. Figures for industrial action on 24 April 2008 have been included in the total for the Pension Service.

Departmental Voluntary Work

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department has taken to encourage volunteering among its employees in the last three years.

Anne McGuire: The DWP has actively encouraged volunteering by introducing an employer-supported volunteering scheme—Community 5000—and by our policies on public and community leave.
	Community 5000 enables individuals and teams to give their working time and skills to voluntary and community organisations of relevance to our customers. Our aspiration is to give 5,000 days of the Department's time each year to the Third Sector through our DWP volunteers, improving our people's understanding of customers' needs and encouraging wider involvement in the community.
	In addition to Community 5000, the Department has also long encouraged participation in the local community with a provision to apply for paid public and community leave for serving in a voluntary organisation that provides a service to the local community, such as the Lifeboat Service and Special Constabulary.

Disability Living Allowance: Appeals

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what advice has been given to staff handling disability living allowance appeals about the use of standard letter CAP22a.

Anne McGuire: The Pension, Disability and Carers Service recently established that instructions to staff in connection with appeals and the use of the standard letter CAP22a was incorrect. That guidance was withdrawn and instructions about the correct procedure were issued to all decision makers on 21 April 2008.
	The new instructions direct that, where the customer has completed form GL24 to authorise another person to act for them in an appeal and the customer has also signed the form overleaf as the appellant, the appeal is valid and the representative's signature does not also need to be obtained.

Housing Benefit

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much in housing benefit has been paid to tenants of  (a) housing associations and  (b) local authorities and local authority arms length management organisations since 1997; and what estimate he has made of the effect on the level of payments in each of those years of tenants transferring from council management to registered social landlords as part of stock transfers.

James Plaskitt: The available information for local authorities and registered social landlords is in the table.
	Information is not available separately for arms length management organisations.
	We have not made an estimate of the cost to public funds of paying the housing benefit of tenants transferred from council tenancies to registered social landlords since 1997. To determine such a figure would require detailed assumptions about the rents each authority might theoretically have charged had it retained the stock. However, the potential impact on housing benefit where stock is transferred to registered social landlords is considered as part of the overall value-for-money assessment of transfers.
	
		
			  Housing benefit paid to tenants of local authorities and registered social landlords (RSL) 
			  £  million 
			   1997-98  1998-99  1999-2000  2000-01  2001-02 
			 Local authority expenditure 5,498 5,405 5,345 5,258 5,282 
			 RSL expenditure 2,242 2,480 2,753 3,053 3,482 
		
	
	
		
			  Housing benefit paid to tenants of local authorities and registered social landlords (RSL) 
			  £ million 
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  20005-06  20006-07 
			 Local authority expenditure 5,405 5,027 5,200 5,263 5,368 
			 RSL expenditure 4,199 4,291 4,603 4,950 5,328 
			  Notes: 1. The figures are nominal costs for the whole of Great Britain. 2. The figures are total amounts paid to beneficiaries, irrespective of the source of funding, and include benefit spending reimbursed by DWP, spending on rent rebates financed within local authorities' housing revenue accounts, and benefit spending financed from local authorities' general funds. 3 The figures reflect the latest benefit-by-benefit estimate of out-turn, and not the amounts voted by Parliament. 4. Figures for 1999-2000 onwards are on a resource accounting and budgeting basis. There may be differences between figures quoted in these tables and those quoted in Department for Work and Pensions accounts. 5. Figures for past years may have changed since previous publication due to changes in methodology and the incorporation of more up-to-date information. 6. Figures exclude asylum seekers from April 1999, since when the National Asylum Support Service has reimbursed DWP for benefits paid to asylum seekers. 7. Separation of rent allowance into private rental sector and registered social landlord elements is an estimate derived from the quarterly administrative data on caseloads and average awards, and the figures should therefore be treated as indicative.

Housing Benefit

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has made of the cost to the public purse in additional housing benefit payments which would arise from each £1 increase in council and registered social landlord rents.

James Plaskitt: The increased yearly cost in additional housing benefit payments for each £1 increase in council and registered social landlord rents is estimated to be around £165 million.
	 Notes:
	1. The estimated cost is rounded to the nearest £5 million.
	2. The estimated cost is based on a £1 increase in weekly rent.
	3. The estimated cost does not include floaters-on as a result of a £1 increase in rent.
	 Source: Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Management Information System Quarterly 100 per cent. caseload stock-count taken in February 2007.

Housing Benefit

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people claiming  (a) housing benefit and  (b) council tax benefit have had their benefit backdated by between three and 12 months.

James Plaskitt: The information is not available.
	Our ability to provide this breakdown is restricted by the breadth and reliability of the data available to us.
	As part of the Equality Impact Assessment, we have provided an estimate of the proportion of housing benefit and council tax benefit case loads affected by the proposals to reduce the backdating facilities to three months. There are, however, important caveats to these estimates which must be noted.
	A copy of the Equality Impact Assessment has been placed in the Library. It is also available on the Department for Work and Pensions website at:
	http://www.dwp.gov.uk/resourcecentre/PC-HB-CTB-EIA-Apr08.pdf
	Figures on the number of successful backdating claims are derived from the Single Housing Benefit Extract (HBSD-IAD scan). The backdating variable in the Single Housing Benefit Extract was introduced relatively recently in April 2007 and accordingly we have no means of corroborating the data's robustness against historical data. Furthermore, given that the data only goes back six months, we currently have an insufficient pool of evidence to derive reliable figures from the data. These concerns should be allayed with time as the scan data improves.
	Based on the first six months of data available, it is estimated that approximately 0.2 per cent. of new housing benefit and council tax benefit claims would be affected. These figures may be subject to revision as more data becomes available.

Industrial Health and Safety: Construction

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of workplace deaths in the construction industry resulted in  (a) prosecution and  (b) conviction in each year since 1997.

Anne McGuire: The information is as follows:
	 (a) The most up-to-date figures on the percentage of construction industry workplace deaths in Great Britain, for each of the years between 1999-2000 to 2006-07, that have resulted in a prosecution, are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Number of deaths  Number of deaths resulting in a prosecution  Percentage 
			 1999-2000 87 33 37 
			 2000-01 113 42 37 
			 2001-02 85 27 32 
			 2002-03 75 30 40 
			 2003-04 75 33 44 
			 2004-05 77 33 43 
			 2005-06 64 12 19 
			 2006-07 84 8 10 
		
	
	The numbers of prosecutions for later years, particularly 2005-06 and 2006-07, will increase as it can be a number of years after the fatality before the resulting prosecution comes to court.
	The fatality figures are based on deaths reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995.
	 (b) The most up-to-date figures on the percentage of convictions (based on the numbers of prosecution cases raised), relating to the above construction industry fatalities in Great Britain, are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Number of prosecution cases raised  Number of guilty convictions  Percentage 
			 1999-2000 44 39 89 
			 2000-01 68 59 87 
			 2001-02 42 32 76 
			 2002-03 45 33 73 
			 2003-04 59 45 76 
			 2004-05 59 45 76 
			 2005-06 17 14 82 
			 2006-07 9 All cases ongoing — 
		
	
	These figures show the numbers of prosecution cases which have been raised and convictions for those cases completed. For a number of deaths, more than one prosecution case has been raised.
	The numbers of cases raised and number of convictions for later years, particularly 2005-06 and 2006-07, will increase as it can be a number of years after the fatality before the related prosecution cases are heard by the courts.
	All current prosecution cases relating to fatalities in 2006/07 are still progressing through the courts and have not yet reached a verdict.
	Detailed information is only available in the form requested from 1999-2000 onwards and published figures for fatalities in 2007-08 are not yet available.

International Labour Organisation: Anniversaries

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress he has made on the development of plans to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the International Labour Organisation in 2009.

James Plaskitt: We have held initial discussions with the International Labour Organisation on how we might commemorate its 90th anniversary, and are currently considering how best to develop our ideas.

Jobseekers Allowance

Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  what estimate he has made of the  (a) mean and  (b) median length of a claim for jobseekers allowance;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the  (a) mean and  (b) median length of a claim for jobseekers allowance for a claimant who has (i) a drink or drug addiction and (ii) a mental health condition.

James Plaskitt: Information on average durations of jobseeker's allowance claims is not available broken down by medical condition. The available information is in the table.
	
		
			  Average claim durations of jobseeker's allowance leavers —March 2008 
			   Weeks 
			 Median duration 9.2 
			 Estimated mean duration 18.5 
			  Notes: 1. Median and mean durations are rounded to one decimal place. 2. Mean durations are not recommended to be used when dealing with skewed distribution such as duration of claim. In these cases, the median is a better measure of 'average' than the arithmetic mean.  Source: Count of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems (computer held cases only).

Members: Correspondence

David Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will arrange for the Child Support Agency to send a reply to the hon. Member for Walsall North's letter of 31 March 2008 concerning a constituent, ref: JC962664A.

James Plaskitt: holding answer 1 May 2008
	 The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive. He will write to my hon. Friend with the information requested.
	 Letter from Susan Park, dated 14 May 2008:
	In reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Child Support Agency, the Secretary of State promised a substantive reply from the Chief Executive. As the Chief Executive is currently on annual leave, I am responding, with his authority on his behalf.
	You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will arrange for the Child Support Agency to send a reply to the hon. Member for Walsall North's letter of 31st March 2008 concerning a constituent ref: JC962664A.
	As details about individual cases are confidential, I have written to you separately about this case.

Pension Disability and Carers Service: Public Appointments

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 1 May 2008,  Official Report, columns 589-90W, on Pension Disability and Carers Service: public appointments, if he will break down the £2,350 spent on recruiting the chief executive.

Anne McGuire: holding answer 9 May 2008
	The expenditure of £2,350 comprised a professional fee of £2,000 plus £350 VAT for the psychometric assessment of shortlisted candidates.

Remploy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department has taken to ensure that Remploy's procurement targets are being met.

Anne McGuire: holding answer 1 May 2008
	It is Remploy's responsibility to ensure its procurement targets are met.
	However, the Department is leading work with Remploy, Trade Unions, Office of Government Commerce and British Association for Supported Employment using Article 19 of the new public sector procurement Directive as a means of securing more public sector contracts for Supported Businesses including Remploy through the Public Procurement Regulations.
	The Department has established an Implementation Monitoring Group which includes representatives from Remploy, Trade Unions and the Department. The group tracks progress against the modernisation plan, including procurement.
	Officials also chair a quarterly review meeting with the Remploy executive team to discuss performance against targets.

Remploy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what cost savings were made by Remploy management in each of the last five years.

Anne McGuire: holding answer 1 May 2008
	The changes in the total costs of Remploy businesses and central costs (outturn prices) since April 2003 are in the table.
	
		
			  £ million 
			   Total costs  Cumulative change since 2003 +/-  Yearly changes in costs +/- 
			 2002-03 158.8 — — 
			 2003-04 148.1 -10.7 -10.7 
			 2004-05 157.2 -1.6 +9.1 
			 2005-06 155.0 -3.8 -2.2 
			 2006-07 154.8 -4.0 -0.2 
			 2007-08 150.1 -8.7 -4.7 
			  Source:  Remploy Management Information

Remploy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much has been spent on  (a) redundancy payments and  (b) other costs associated with redundancy in respect of each closed Remploy factory.

Anne McGuire: holding answer 1 May 2008
	Information about the other costs associated with redundancy in respect of each closed Remploy factory is not available.
	The available information about redundancy payments is in the following table.
	
		
			  Total redundancy payments to end April 2008 
			   £ 
			 Aintree 1,287,005 
			 Barnsley 608,956 
			 Bradford 328,944 
			 Brixton 844,129 
			 Brynamman 235,455 
			 CCU 950,932 
			 Chandlers Ford 98,925 
			 Halifax 313,447 
			 Hartlepool 1,174,275 
			 Hillington 696,164 
			 Hull 715,355 
			 Jarrow 491,750 
			 Leatherhead 287,311 
			 Lydney 350,613 
			 Mansfield 1,242,239 
			 Medway 771,775 
			 Newcastle-under-Lyme 461,373 
			 Pinxton 1,603,036 
			 Plymouth 525,807 
			 Redruth 366,447 
			 Southend 330,523 
			 St. Helens 4,297,883 
			 Stockport 799,235 
			 Stockton 804,650 
			 Treforest 1,443,502 
			 Wisbech 219,298 
			 Woolwich 724,270 
			 York 704,007 
			 Ystradgynlais 199,263 
			  Source:  Remploy management information.

Remploy

Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many staff have successfully  (a) transferred from one Remploy factory to another and  (b) unsuccessfully applied for transfer following closure of a Remploy factory.

Anne McGuire: holding answer 1 May 2008
	The number of disabled people who have transferred from one Remploy factory to another is 185.
	All disabled people eligible to apply for transfer (that is in the 11 Remploy merging sites) were given the opportunity to do so.

Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will review the procedures by which decisions are made on whether those suffering from myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome should be allowed benefits with a view to reducing the number of such decisions which subsequently go to appeal.

Desmond Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will review the procedures by which judgement is made on whether those suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome should be allowed benefits in order to reduce the number of appeals and successful appeals.

Anne McGuire: I refer my hon. Friends to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson) on 1 May 2008,  Official Report, column 588W.

Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how  (a) the provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 and  (b) the guidance on disability living allowance published in July 2007 will improve access to benefits for people with myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Desmond Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how  (a) the provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 and  (b) the guidance on disability living allowance published in July 2007 will improve access to benefits for people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome who go to appeal to get benefits.

Anne McGuire: The Welfare Reform Act 2007 provides for the new employment and support allowance, which will be supported by the new work capability assessment.
	The new work capability assessment will be a fair, robust and accurate assessment of a person's capability for work, reflecting the activities needed in today's workplace and concentrating on what people can do rather than what they cannot do. The current personal capability assessment needed a thorough review to ensure that the new assessment is up-to-date and accurate, and that it will identify those people who should be entitled to employment and support allowance, including those with long term-and fluctuating conditions such as myalgic encephalopathy.
	The work capability assessment is not a snapshot of a person's condition on the day of the assessment. In assessing whether a person can carry out any given activity, healthcare professionals must take into account the person's condition over a reasonable period of time. If there is a change in a person's disabling condition, there will be a provision to refer the person to an approved healthcare professional so that we can determine afresh whether or not the person has limited capability for work, or limited capability for work-related activity.
	The disability living allowance guidance on myalgic encephalopathy and chronic fatigue syndrome was developed in conjunction with a group of experts in this area of medicine. It gives benefit decision-makers a greater understanding of this illness and the consequent care needs and mobility difficulties, and will enable them to make better-informed decisions on a person's entitlement to disability living allowance.

Social Security Benefits: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to ensure that assessments for the new employment and support allowance take account of the fluctuating state of health which is characteristic of people who have myalgic encephalopathy/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Desmond Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is taking to ensure that assessments for the new employment and support allowance take account of the fluctuating health cycle characteristic of people who have myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome.

Stephen Timms: I refer my hon. Friends to the written answer I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson) on 28 April 2008,  Official Report, column 44W.

Social Security Benefits: Personal Records

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions pursuant to the Answer of 9th January 2008,  Official Report, column 574W, on social security benefits: personal records, how many employees have access to the database for benefits administered by his Department.

Anne McGuire: Social Security administration is carried out using many different databases, and the information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

State Retirement Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions 
	(1)  how many people had their pension credit payments ended for remaining abroad for more that four weeks at a time in each year since 2003; and what the average amount of time was for payments to be restarted once such a claimant had returned to the UK in each of those years;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of the cost of extending from four to 13 weeks the amount of time that a claimant can be abroad before their pension credit payments are ended.

Mike O'Brien: Information on the number of pension credit claims that end because the recipient has gone abroad for more than four weeks is not collected.
	For planning purposes we estimate that around 50,000 pension credit recipients go abroad for between four and 13 weeks each year, based on data from the International Passenger Survey on the number of visits abroad by length of stay for the general population of people aged 65 and over.
	Customers would have to make a new claim for pension credit on their return, processed in the usual way. This is burdensome for both the customer and the Pensions Disability and Carers Service staff.
	Extending the period to 13 weeks will be of sufficient duration to allow nearly 90 per cent. of those customers who would otherwise have had their pension credit stopped after four weeks of a temporary absence, to retain entitlement.
	We estimated that the net cost of extending the absence abroad period from four to 13 weeks over this comprehensive spending review period could be around £2 million in each full year from introduction.
	The proposal to extend the period of time people can go abroad and still keep their pension credit from four to 13 weeks forms part of a package of pension measures that will make claiming benefit entitlements simpler and less intrusive and deliver extra support to pensioners. Taken together the wider package of measures represents more than £500 million of additional spending on pensioners over the next three years.
	 Notes:
	1. Estimates represent combined administrative and benefit costs/savings.
	2. Estimated costs and savings are consistent with the 2008 Budget settlement but it should be noted that they are based on a set of assumptions and are subject to change as new data becomes available.

TREASURY

Capital Allowances: Enterprise Zones

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1668W, on capital allowances: enterprise zones, what the estimated cost is of the enterprise zone allowances to the Exchequer in 2008-09; and what estimate his Department has made of the increase in tax receipts in the first full year that the allowances are withdrawn.

Jane Kennedy: The estimated annual cost of the special industrial buildings allowances for enterprise zones is published in the tax ready reckoner produced by HMRC each year. This is available at:
	http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/tax_expenditures/table1-5.pdf
	The revenue yield in the first year after abolition (2011-12) is expected to be £15 million, followed by £50 million in 2012-13.

Council Tax: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1669W, on council tax: valuation, what  (a) property attributes and  (b) data sets the banding support tool uses to identify comparable properties.

Jane Kennedy: The banding support tool has the capability to use  (a) all available dwelling house coding attributes and  (b) all current bandings in order to provide the closest matches to inform decision-making.

Council Tax: Wales

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2008,  Official Report, column 899W, on the Valuation Office: Wales, when the automated valuation model capabilities will come into operation in Wales; what the budgeted cost is; and what work is being undertaken by Cole Layer Trumble/Tyler Technologies on the project.

Jane Kennedy: AVM capabilities to support work in connection with the maintenance of the current (2005) council tax lists in Wales is under development. It is not subject to any timetabling and is being taken forward as resources allow with costs being contained within existing operational budgets.
	No work is being undertaken by Cole Layer Trumble/Tyler Technologies on this project although they provide technical support as the third party supplier of OASIS software.

Council Tax: Wales

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many consequential amendments have been made to council tax banding, in terms of number of households, since the 2005 council tax revaluation in Wales in each local authority area in Wales according to Valuation Office Agency records.

Jane Kennedy: The VOA is currently in the process of updating its website statistics to show all cases where the listing officer has made a change to the 2005 council tax lists in Wales since 1 April 2005, as a result of an inquiry or an appeal.

EU Emissions Trading Scheme

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans the Government have for the use of revenues received by the UK from the auctioning of emission allowances in future phases of the European emissions trading scheme.

Angela Eagle: The framework for future phases of EU ETS are currently under discussion and as such no structure for auctioning in future phases has been decided. The revised EU ETS directive is due to be finalised later this year.
	Any revenue raised through the use of auctioning would be considered part of general revenue streams, and the spending review process ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to deliver Government objectives.

Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles

David Drew: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what factors were taken into account in making the decision to remove the exemption from higher rates of vehicle excise duty from vehicles first registered after March 2001; what consultation he undertook before removing the exemption; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: Budget 2008 announced reform of the Vehicle Excise Duty structure with new rate bands from 2009 and a new higher first-year rate from 2010 to influence purchasing choices. The Government's policy on exemptions from Vehicle Excise Duty has remained unchanged and existing nil rates will remain in force.
	The Government take rates decisions as part of the routine Budget process. Budget 2008 decisions will therefore introduce rates from 2009-10 which are appropriate and apply consistently to all cars across the emissions spectrum—the more polluting the vehicle, the more vehicle excise duty it will pay. In taking such rates decisions the Government considers a range of factors, including relevant environmental, social and economic factors.

Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  which (a) cars and (b) vans will be subject to an increase in vehicle excise duty in the 2009-10 financial year, broken down by (i) make and model of vehicle and (ii) size of engine; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Transport on the proposed increase in excise duty on certain vehicles in the next financial year; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Eagle: The information requested on each individual variant of each model of car or van could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Individual vehicle owners may determine the rate applicable to their vehicle in 2009-10 by reference to the vehicle's registration document and table A8a of the Budget report. In addition, cars that emit more than 225 g CO2 per km but were first registered before 23 March 2006 will be placed in Band K in 2009-10—and will continue to benefit from a reduced rate, and only in 2010-11 will these cars be placed into the band (L or M) that corresponds to the car's actual CO2 emissions.
	Treasury Ministers engage with their ministerial colleagues in shared policy areas as a matter of routine as part of the process of policy development and delivery.

Fuels: Aviation

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue which would accrue in 2008-09 if value added tax were levied on aviation fuel at 17.5 per cent.

Jane Kennedy: VAT is already charged on aviation fuel supplied for flights within the UK at either the standard rate of 17.5 per cent or reduced rate of 5 per cent. depending on the type and quantity of fuel being supplied. However, under the normal rules of VAT, the tax charged can be reclaimed by a VAT registered airline or other business to the extent that it relates to their taxable business activities.
	Aviation fuel supplied for use on intra-community or international flights is VAT zero-rated. However, even if our international agreements allowed the UK to impose VAT it could also be reclaimed subject to the normal rules.
	HM Revenue and Customs does not hold sufficient information with which to make an estimate of the revenue that would otherwise accrue.

Income Tax: Low Incomes

Mark Hunter: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of households in  (a) the United Kingdom,  (b) England,  (c) Greater Manchester,  (d) Stockport Borough and  (e) Cheadle constituency which will be (i) better off, (ii) worse off and (iii) unaffected as a result of the abolition of the 10 pence starting rate of income tax.

Jane Kennedy: h olding answer 23 April 2008
	The removal of the 10p rate is part of a package of reforms announced in Budget 2007.
	It is not possible to estimate the impact of the reform package below Government office region level.

National Insurance Contributions

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the revenue that would be raised in 2008-09 if the upper limit on national insurance contributions were abolished.

Jane Kennedy: The yield from removing the upper earnings limit for employees Class 1 National Insurance contributions is around £8.5 billion for 2008-09. This estimate includes the yield from the consequent increase in the upper profit limit for Class 4 contributions paid by the self employed, and the cost of the increase in employee and employer rebates for contracting out of state second pension.
	This excludes any estimate of behavioural effects which could be significant given the scale of the change.
	The estimate is consistent with Budget 2008 assumptions and assumes that the NHS allocation contribution rates are unchanged.

Non-domestic Rates: Licensed Premises

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2008, Official Report, columns 509-10W, on valuation: licensed premises, if he will place in the Library the latest edition of the full Rating Manual.

Jane Kennedy: The Rating Manual is available on the Valuation Office Agency's website (www.voa.gov.uk).

Non-domestic Rates: Licensed Premises

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the answer of 8 January 2008 , Official Report, columns 509-10W, on valuation: licensed premises, whether the section of the Rating Manual has been rewritten.

Jane Kennedy: The Rating Manual section on public houses, licensed restaurants and wine bars is being rewritten in conjunction with preparations for the 2010 Revaluation. It is intended to have this complete by the end of October this year. At that time it will be published on the Valuation Office Agency's website to replace the existing section.

Non-domestic Rates: Licensed Premises

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will place in the Library a copy of the Valuation Office Agency's document Valuation of Public Houses: Approved Guide in use for the 2010 non-domestic rates revaluation.

Jane Kennedy: No such document currently exists.

Part-time Employment: Students

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate  (a) his Department and  (b) HM Revenue and Customs has made of the number of full-time students who receive an income from working part-time.

Jane Kennedy: Based on figures published by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills, HM Revenue and Customs estimates that 1.7 million students in full-time education were in employment for part of the year during 2004-05 and 2005-06.

Revenue and Customs: Correspondence

Joan Walley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average time taken was for letters to be sent out by HM Revenue and Customs arising from enquiries to their 0845 enquiry numbers in the latest period for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: The requested information is not available. However HM Revenue and Customs aim to deal with 80 per cent. of general correspondence within 15 working days of receipt and 95 per cent. within 40 working days.

Stamp Duties

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 1684-85W, on stamp duties, whether an impact assessment was produced in relation to introducing charging by an energy assessor to assess whether a dwelling meets the standard.

Kitty Ussher: There is not a separate impact assessment on charges to assess whether a dwelling meets the zero-carbon standard for the purposes of the stamp duty land tax relief. However, an impact assessment was published at Budget 2007 when details of the stamp duty land tax relief for new zero-carbon homes was announced. This can be found on HMRC's website at:
	www.hmrc.gov.uk/ria/9-zero-carbon-homes.pdf

Stamp Duty Land Tax: Shared Ownership Schemes

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 1685-86W, on stamp duty land tax: shared ownership schemes 
	(1)  whether  (a) Social Homebuy and  (b) New Build Homebuy are shared ownership or shared equity schemes for the purposes of the stamp duty land tax rule;
	(2)  whether the homebuyer, when purchasing the final 20 per cent. of the equity, having previously purchased up to 80 per cent., will be required to pay stamp duty on 100 per cent. of the property's total capital value or only the final 20 per cent.

Kitty Ussher: Both social homebuy and new build homebuy are shared ownership schemes.
	When the homebuyer in a shared ownership arrangement purchases the final 20 per cent. of a property, having previously purchased 80 per cent. free of SDLT, they will only pay stamp duty land tax on the final 20 per cent. of the property.

State Retirement Pensions

Danny Alexander: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost of restoring the link between the basic state pension and earnings in each year between 2009 and 2015.

Mike O'Brien: I have been asked to reply.
	Current baseline projections of expenditure on pensioner benefits assume that the basic state pension is increased by earnings from 2012. The net additional cost of increasing the basic state pension by earnings from 2009 in each year between 2009-10 and 2015-16 is given in the table as follows:
	
		
			  Net additional annual cost of increasing the basic state pension by earnings from 2009-10 
			   £ billion, 2008-09 prices 
			 2009-10 0.3 
			 2010-11 1.2 
			 2011-12 1.9 
			 2012-13 1.9 
			 2013-14 2.0 
			 2014-15 2.1 
			 2015-16 2.1 
			  Notes: 1. Estimates are additional to the baseline assumption of increasing the basic state pension by earnings from 2012. During the next Parliament, we will re-link the uprating of the basic state pension to average earnings. Our objective, subject to affordability and the fiscal position, is to do this in 2012, but in any event by the end of the Parliament at the latest. We will make a statement on the precise date at the beginning of the next Parliament. 2. Estimates are presented in net terms reflecting that the estimated savings from reduced income related benefit payments (pension credit, housing benefit and council tax benefit) have been deducted. The proportions of additional expenditure saved through reduced income related benefit payments have been estimated using the Department's Policy Simulation Model and are assumed to remain constant over time. 3. In the financial years up to and including 2013-14 Treasury Economic assumptions consistent with Budget 2008 have been used to model earnings uprating. After this point a long term earnings growth assumption of 4.93 per cent. has been applied. 4. Estimates are in 2008-09 prices and have been rounded to the nearest £100 million.  Source:  DWP modelling

Taxation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his Department's technical definition of a revenue-neutral tax change is.

Jane Kennedy: A tax policy change is revenue-neutral if the net total of the change does not result in a change in forecast Exchequer receipts over the forecast period. All tax policy changes with revenue implications of more than £5 million a year over the forecast period are set out in table A1 of the Financial Statement and Budget Report.

Taxation: Aviation

Adam Holloway: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on levels of aviation duty on flights between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

Angela Eagle: At pre-Budget report 2007, the Government announced that they intended to replace air passenger duty with a duty payable per plane, rather than per passenger. This reform will take place on 1 November 2009 and has the objective of sending better environmental signals, and also ensuring that aviation makes a greater contribution to covering its environmental costs, while ensuring that a fair level of revenue is raised from the sector in order to support public services.
	The public consultation on the design of the new duty opened on 31 January 2008 and closed on 24 April. The Government have received a number of responses to date, including one from the Northern Ireland Executive. All of these responses—including that from the Northern Ireland—will be carefully analysed by HM Treasury before final announcements on the design of the duty are made.

Taxation: Interest Charges

Mark Hoban: To askther Chancellor of the Exchequer how many complaints HM Revenue and Customs received in respect of late payment interest charges on tax payments which were not late in the latest 12 month period for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not available centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
	HMRC processes payments and updates customers' accounts within 24 hours of receiving them in the vast majority of cases.
	In a small number of cases, we are unable to credit customers' accounts immediately, usually because the payment is received with insufficient information, for example, if the payment reference number has been omitted or is not shown correctly.
	In such cases the payments are allocated to a suspense account while enquiries are made to establish the account or record that is to be credited. Where such a payment is made on the due date for the tax, it is therefore possible that interest will be charged while the payment is in the suspense account. However, once the payment is allocated correctly the interest charge will be cancelled.
	Every payment application or Notice to Pay issued by HMRC carries full 'How to pay' guidance. This clearly sets out the information needed to allocate payments correctly. An expanded version of this guidance is available on the HMRC website and is accessible on www.hmrc.co.uk. Any customer with queries on interest charges raised can phone the Payment Helpline for advice.

Taxation: Land

Eric Pickles: To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer what research  (a) his Department and  (b) its agencies have conducted into land value taxation.

Jane Kennedy: The Treasury has responsibility for tax policy. The Treasury keeps a range of tax options under consideration in the course of its policy making process.

Valuation Office

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 March 2008,  Official Report, column 899W, on the Valuation Office, what the value impact, in numerical terms, of each value significant code is, as identified during the calibration of the Valuation Office Agency's automated valuation model.

Jane Kennedy: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Valuation Office

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2007, Official Report, column 1144W, on the Valuation Office, on what dates other than 22 November 2005 the Valuation Office Agency's Council Tax Revaluation Programme Board (England) has met.

Jane Kennedy: The Valuation Office Agency's Programme Board for the now postponed council tax revaluation generally met monthly between March 2003 and November 2005.

Valuation Office

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1688W, on the Valuation Office, how many households in England received a visit from a Valuation Office Agency official in each year since 2003 for which figures are available.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Valuation Office: Cole Layer Trumble

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Valuation Office Agency uses Cole Layer Trumble's  (a) OASIS,  (b) ORION and  (c) iAnalyze products.

Jane Kennedy: (a) Yes  (b) No  (c) No.

Valuation Office: ICT

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1688W, on Valuation Office: ICT, how many localities there are in each individual billing authority area in England.

Jane Kennedy: This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Valuation Office: ICT

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1688W, on Valuation Office: ICT, what correspondence there is between the boundaries of localities and other  (a) local government or  (b) statistical geographical divisions.

Jane Kennedy: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the then Minister for Local Government on 19 June 2006,  Official Report, column 1600W.

Valuation Office: ICT

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Valuation Office Agency's Automated Valuation Model is used for the valuation of houses for  (a) right-to-buy sales and  (b) inheritance tax.

Jane Kennedy: It is not used for the purposes specified.

Valuation Office: Measuring Instruments

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 1689-90W, on the Valuation Office: measuring instruments, what the reasons were for the differences in expenditure in 2007-08 and 2006-07.

Jane Kennedy: The Valuation Office Agency (VOA) undertakes various types of valuation and surveying work on behalf of a number of public sector clients for a wide range of purposes and requires the appropriate professional equipment to perform these roles effectively.
	At the end of 2007-08, the VOA placed an order for 1,100 laser measures across the network, to include both additional and replacement units, where the current units were beyond their economic life. This bulk order has contributed to the increase in expenditure on surveying equipment from 2006-07.
	Laser measures are used in all work areas, including non domestic rating, council tax and district valuer services.

Valuation Office: Measuring Instruments

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 1689-90W, on the Valuation Office: measuring instruments, if he will place in the Library the invoices for the purchases in 2007-08.

Jane Kennedy: The tendered contract price for individual items is commercial in confidence. I am therefore unable to place copies of the invoices in the Library, as they contain information regarding the cost of specific items.

Valuation Office: Measuring Instruments

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, columns 1689-90W, on the Valuation Office: measuring instruments, who the designated supplier is.

Jane Kennedy: The Valuation Office Agency's (VOA) contracted supplier of surveying equipment is Survey Express Services Ltd (SES), based in Catford, London.

Valuation Office: Publications

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the answer of 25 June 2007,  Official Report, column 399W, on the Valuation Office Agency, if he will place in the Library copies of the Agency's staff magazine produced since June 2007.

Jane Kennedy: The Agency has produced no staff magazines since June 2007.

Valuation Office: Video Recordings

Eric Pickles: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2008,  Official Report, column 1690W, on the Valuation Office: video recordings, what the  (a) title and  (b) purpose was of the video produced since January.

Jane Kennedy: The title of the video was the "start of year message". Its purpose was for the VOA chief executive to set out the year ahead for staff at the Agency.

Welfare Tax Credits

Mark Hoban: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer to the right hon. Member for Birkenhead (Mr. Field) of 25 March 2008,  Official Report, column 42W, on tax credits, what the highest possible income is which a family which  (a) claims and  (b) does not claim the disability element for any children or adults with (i) one, (ii) two, (iii) three, (iv) four and (v) more than four children while being eligible for the child care element of the working tax credit.

Jane Kennedy: The highest level of income at which a family with maximum child care costs could benefit from the child care element depends on the number of adults and children in the household who claim the disability element, and whether they also claim the severe disability element.
	The following table shows some examples based on different numbers of children in the family, and different members of the family claiming the disability element. They are based on the maximum eligible child care costs of £175 per week for one child, and £300 per week for two or more children. All incomes are rounded down to the nearest £1,000.
	
		
			  Highest level of income at which a family could benefit from the child care element 
			  £ 
			   Number of children in the family 
			  Individuals claiming disability element within the family  1  2  3  4  5 
			 No-one 41,000 68,000 73,000 78,000 84,000 
			 1 adult 47,000 74,000 79,000 84,000 90,000 
			 1 child 48,000 74,000 79,000 85,000 90,000 
			 1 adult and 1 child 62,000 80,000 86,000 91,000 96,000

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Blasphemy

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent progress has been made towards bringing forward proposals to abolish the offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel.

Parmjit Dhanda: Section 79 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, which received Royal Assent on 8 May, contains provisions which abolish the common-law offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel. Section 153(2)(d) of the Act provides for these provisions to come into force two months after Royal Assent.

Caravan Sites: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will place in the Library a copy of the technical presentation on valuing caravan pitches referred to on page 10 of the Valuation Office Agency's Council Tax Referencing Manual.

John Healey: A copy of the technical presentation requested, which was created for training purposes, has been deposited in the Library of the House.

Council Tax: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will place in the Library copies of the People Panels report produced as part of the council tax revaluation in England exercise to test the banding notifications.

John Healey: The People Panels report relates to internal discussion and advice to Ministers on the formulation and development of government policy. It is not therefore appropriate to place the report in the Library.

Departmental Orders and Regulations

Mark Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many statutory instruments have been  (a) made and  (b) revoked by Ministers in her Department and its predecessors since 1997.

Parmjit Dhanda: The total number of statutory instruments made by the Department for Communities and Local Government and its predecessor the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister from 29 May 2002 to 30 April 2008 is 587. It would involve a disproportionate cost to provide details in respect of the predecessor Department for the period before the ODPM was created on 29 May 2002 and to provide details of the statutory instruments revoked since 29 May 2002 as no central record is maintained of this information.

Fire Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government when she plans to publish the next version of the full business case for the FiReControl project; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: The next version of the business case (Version 1.1) will be published in June 2008. This will set out the full costs, savings and benefits of the FiReControl project. A key benefit of the project is increased resilience. The business case will set out the details. A copy of the business case will be placed in the House Library.

Fire Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the outcome of the consultation on regional cost allocation with respect to the FiReControl project was; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: There has been no formal consultation on regional cost allocations for the FiReControl project. However, formal consultation will take place when the business case is published at the end of June 2008.

Fire Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what recent representations she has received on the incorporation of fireground technology in the implementation of the FiReControl project; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: There have been no representations received on the incorporation of fireground technology in the implementation of the FiReControl project.

Fire Services

Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will include consideration of resilience issues in the next version of the full business case for the FiReControl project; and if she will make a statement.

Parmjit Dhanda: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given today (PQ 205340).

Fire Services: Manpower

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many whole-time firefighters there were in each fire and rescue authority in each of the last five years.

Parmjit Dhanda: holding answer 1 May 2008
	The number of whole-time firefighters employed in each fire and rescue authority in England, for the years 2003 to 2007 is shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Whole-time firefighters in England as 31 April 
			  Fire and rescue service  2003  2004  2005  2006  2007 
			 Avon 639 678 669 690 682 
			 Bedfordshire and Luton 319 330 323 317 321 
			 Buckinghamshire 330 352 349 359 398 
			 Cambridgeshire 273 285 273 258 277 
			 Cheshire 623 616 602 567 562 
			 Cleveland 586 570 563 561 562 
			 Cornwall 192 205 201 200 193 
			 County Durham and Darlington 407 402 385 372 387 
			 Cumbria 274 271 274 268 274 
			 Derbyshire 467 479 475 455 446 
			 Devon 565 575 562 577 561 
			 Dorset 304 309 302 307 298 
			 East Sussex 423 453 434 424 426 
			 Essex 937 920 936 981 945 
			 Gloucestershire 233 238 239 234 247 
			 Greater Manchester 2,139 2,100 2,028 1,902 1,938 
			 Hampshire 799 808 790 808 802 
			 Hereford and Worcester 351 347 319 330 342 
			 Hertfordshire 564 574 564 569 560 
			 Humberside 721 728 710 712 707 
			 Isle of Wight 61 58 63 57 57 
			 Isles of Scilly 10 11 11 10 11 
			 Kent 938 942 892 901 930 
			 Lancashire 1,008 990 957 912 898 
			 Leicestershire 478 476 477 479 490 
			 Lincolnshire 192 187 195 204 206 
			 London 5,758 5,990 5,815 5,959 6,053 
			 Merseyside 1,342 1,319 1,276 1,151 1,105 
			 Norfolk 288 295 281 303 306 
			 North Yorkshire 351 363 358 351 352 
			 Northamptonshire 307 311 302 288 287 
			 Northumberland 209 198 193 197 195 
			 Nottinghamshire 589 587 549 564 577 
			 Oxfordshire 233 245 237 240 243 
			 Royal Berkshire 436 430 422 427 427 
			 Shropshire 216 216 208 203 215 
			 Somerset 181 179 184 180 179 
			 South Yorkshire 914 918 878 870 834 
			 Staffordshire 471 470 447 432 448 
			 Suffolk 250 244 257 272 257 
			 Surrey 693 669 673 655 639 
			 Tyne and Wear 999 970 945 921 905 
			 Warwickshire 279 284 276 277 262 
			 West Midlands 1,971 1,968 1,944 1,836 1,904 
			 West Sussex 395 409 394 400 373 
			 West Yorkshire 1,678 1,658 1,602 1,550 1,512 
			 Wiltshire 221 229 219 214 211 
			 Total 31,614 31,856 31,053 30,744 30,804 
			  Source: Annual returns to Communities and Local Government

Housing: Demolition

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many dwellings were demolished in each Housing Market Renewal pathfinder area in each year since its inception; and how much was allocated from the public purse towards such demolitions in each year.

Iain Wright: Data on the number of demolitions in each Housing Market Renewal (HMR) pathfinder, and total spend, is set out in the following table. The HMR programme adopts a range of measures, with refurbishments continuing to account for a significantly larger share of activity. Since the start of the programme, a total of just over 12,000 properties have been demolished with over 40,000 properties refurbished and 1,078 new properties constructed.
	
		
			   HMR demolitions   
			   2003-04  2004-05  2005-06  2006-07  2007-08  Total  HMR spent on demolition  Total HMR funding 2002- 0 8 (£ million) 
			 Birmingham Sandwell 311 71 306 60 207 955 2.85 94.70 
			 East Lancashire 227 311 331 309 270 1,448 1.64 167.50 
			 Hull and East Riding 0 0 147 92 115 354 1.87 52.60 
			 Manchester Salford 216 571 454 755 311 2,307 5.25 223.70 
			 Merseyside 199 110 185 256 322 1,072 3.70 190.30 
			 Newcastle Gateshead 387 409 506 258 n/a 1,560 3.79 133.50 
			 North Staffordshire 104 234 62 215 279 894 1.98 100.40 
			 Oldham Rochdale 95 78 164 161 148 646 1.15 121.70 
			 South Yorkshire 398 1,105 627 525 456 3,111 6.68 160.60 
			 Total 1,937 2,889 2,782 2,631 2,108 12,347 28.92 1,245

Housing: Valuation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government whether the Dwellinghouse Coding Guide has been updated since 27 January 2005 in whole or part by the Valuation Office Agency.

John Healey: The guide was produced to help with training and as a reference for VOA staff. It is updated as appropriate, has been since 27 January 2005, and is available on the VOA website:
	www.voa.gov.uk/publications/DwellingHouseCodingGuide/files/contents.htm

Interreg Programme

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government 
	(1)  what matched funding the Government has provided to programmes under the INTERREG III programme;
	(2)  what central funding is being provided to support the INTERREG IV programme.

John Healey: Under INTERREG III the UK provided match funding to the programmes' technical assistance budgets. €3,727,142 was paid to the North West Europe Programme; €1,149,584 to the IIIC West Programme; €1,594,950 to the North Sea Programme and €870,085 to the Atlantic Area Programme.
	The ODPM also provided £5.9 million of match funding to UK partners for pre-application INTERREG IIIB project and partnership activities. From 2003 to 2006, more than 48 UK-organisations benefited from an ODPM award, representing 43 projects across the three INTERREG IIIB Programmes. The majority of organisations receiving OPDM awards were in a project-lead position.
	The Government will not be providing match funding for individual projects in the new programmes. But we will be contributing towards programme technical assistance budgets. The amounts for the 2007 to 2013 programme period are:
	
		
			  Project  Funding (€) 
			 INTERREG IVA 3,720,000 
			 INTERREG IVB (including INTERACT) 5,045,476 
			 INTERREG IVC 1,011,155 
			 Total 9,776,631

Interreg Programme

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will place in the Library a copy of the INTERACT Handbook on the European Grouping of Territorial Co-operation.

John Healey: I have deposited a copy of the INTERACT Handbook on the European Grouping of Territorial Co-operation in the Library of the House.

Interreg Programme

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the answer of 19 March 2008,  Official Report, columns 1206-7W, on INTERACT programme, which INTERACT working groups representatives from her Department have attended in the last 12 months.

John Healey: Since May 2007 representatives from CLG have attended two INTERACT programme meetings. Two CLG officials attended a Monitoring Committee meeting on 19 to 20 October in Vienna. One CLG official attended a Monitoring Committee meeting on 4 March 2008, also in Vienna.

Local Government Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps her Department is taking to help billing authorities improve the collection rates of  (a) council tax and  (b) business rates; and if she will ask the Audit Commission to initiate an investigation following the recent Office of Fair Trading report.

John Healey: The collection of council tax and business rates is a matter for local authorities. In 2006-07 billing authorities across England collected 96.9 per cent. of all council tax and 98.7 per cent. of national non-domestic rates. It is not clear which OFT report the hon. Member is referring.

National Interest Mapping Services Agreement

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what plans she has to replace the National Interest Mapping Services Agreement.

Iain Wright: There are no plans to replace the National Interest Mapping Services Agreement.

Planning

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government which national policy statements will be designated within the next two years; and when she expects to publish drafts of each statement for consultation.

John Healey: The Secretary of State explained in her written statement of 27 November 2007,  Official Report, columns 11-17WS, that the Government's aim is to establish a suite of national policy statements that will comprise:
	an overarching energy NFS covering key elements of energy policy related to infrastructure provision;
	statements encompassing different forms of energy generation such as fossil fuels, renewable energy, electricity networks and gas infrastructure;
	a statement for aviation;
	a statement for ports;
	a statement for the strategic highway and rail networks;
	a statement on water supply and waste water treatment;
	a statement on waste.
	In addition, the White Paper on Nuclear Power published in January explained that we also envisage a National Policy Statement on nuclear power.
	We are still considering the precise timescale for consulting on and designating individual national policy statements. We will announce more details on this in due course.

Planning Permission: Economic Situation

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effect of the unrest in the financial markets and housing market on the number of planning applications made.

Iain Wright: No specific assessment on planning applications has been made, however the Department does publish a quarterly National Statistics release on planning applications, decisions, enforcement activity, minerals and waste planning decisions at England, regional and local authority levels. The latest release published on 28 March 2008 can be found on the Departments website at:
	http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/732.pdf

Planning: Approved Premises

Andrew MacKinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will bring forward proposals to amend planning legislation to provide that bail hostels with fewer than five units are deemed to constitute a separate planning use and that their establishment is subject to planning permission.

Iain Wright: Bail hostels are likely to fall into "Class C2: Residential Institutions" or be considered "sui generis" under the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes Order) 1987, as amended.
	Local planning authorities are best placed to determine, taking into account individual characteristics, as to which class or otherwise a particular premises belongs, and also whether a material change of use is involved.
	In general, if a local planning authority considers a bail hostel to fall within Class C2, then planning permission may be required for a change of use to a bail hostel, unless the premises was already in C2 use (e.g. as a hospital or nursing home). If a local planning authority considers a bail hostel to be a sui generis use, then planning permission would usually be required for a change of use to a bail hostel. The key test in whether planning permission is required is whether a material change of use has occurred or would occur.
	Amendments to the Use Classes Order were made in 2005 after extensive consultation. The use class status of bail hostels was not changed as a result of that review.

Planning: Wind Power

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if she will issue planning guidance requiring 2km separation zones around wind turbines.

Iain Wright: Our preferred approach is to expect proposals to be evaluated on their likely impacts taking into account the characteristics of particular locations. The considerations to be taken into account are set out in our Planning Policy Statement (PPS) on Planning and Climate Change and in PPS22 on Renewable Energy. The Companion Guide supporting PPS22 provides detailed advice for practitioners on the siting of wind turbines.

Planning: Wind Power

Oliver Heald: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment she has made of the effects of Planning Advice Note 45 on the siting of wind turbines.

Iain Wright: Guidance for Scotland on this matter is for the Scottish Executive.

Regional Planning and Development: Finance

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the funding arrangements are for  (a) regional empowerment consortiums,  (b) regional improvement and efficiency partnerships,  (c) e-Government regional partnerships and  (d) regional equality and diversity partnerships.

John Healey: With respect to regional empowerment consortiums, the Secretary of State approved funding in March 2008 to the Community Development Foundation, to support the activities of the National Empowerment Partnership, and in particular Regional Empowerment Consortia in each of the nine English regions, for the period 2008-11. Funding for 2009-10 and 2010-11 is subject to parliamentary approval and satisfactory performance. Grants to individual regional empowerment consortia will be made on receipt of a satisfactory regional action plan.
	Regional improvement and efficiency partnerships (RIEPs) are funded using powers in section 31 of the Local Government Act 2003. Grant is paid to a lead authority within each region. The lead authority acts as the accountable body for the grant on behalf of the other authorities which together comprise the REIP. The receiving authorities are as follows:
	Gateshead council (North East)
	Wigan metropolitan borough council (North West)
	Worcestershire county council (West Midlands)
	Nottinghamshire county council (East Midlands)
	Kent county council (South East)
	Dorset county council (South West)
	London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (London)
	Norfolk county council (East of England)
	Calderdale metropolitan borough council (Yorkshire and Humber).
	Communities and Local Government does not provide funding to the e-government regional partnerships or to the regional equality and diversity partnerships.

CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES

Children: Day Care

Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  how often Ofsted requires  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies to repeat Criminal Record Bureau checks to maintain registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register;
	(2)  how many  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies removed from the voluntary part of the Childcare Register appealed against their removal to the Care Standards Tribunal in the last three years;
	(3)  how many  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies unsuccessful in achieving registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register appealed against the decision to the Care Standards Tribunal in each of the last three years;
	(4)  how many of those who were removed from the voluntary part of the Childcare Register and appealed against the decision to the Care Standards Tribunal had their appeal  (a) upheld and  (b) not upheld in the last three years;
	(5)  how many of those who were unsuccessful in achieving registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register and appealed against the decision to the Care Standards Tribunal had their appeal  (a) upheld and  (b) not upheld in the last three years;
	(6)  how Ofsted assesses whether applicant  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies seeking registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register have completed training in core skills as set out in Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children's Workforce;
	(7)  how many  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies were registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register in (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05, (iii) 2005-06, (iv) 2006-07 and (v) 2007-08;
	(8)  how many (a) nurseries, (b) childminders and (c) nannies registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register were inspected in (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05, (iii) 2005-06, (iv) 2006-07 and (v) 2007-08;
	(9)  how many  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register who were inspected in (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05, (iii) 2005-06, (iv) 2006-07 and (v) 2007-08 were found not to be meeting the requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register;
	(10)  how many  (a) nurseries,  (b) childminders and  (c) nannies registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register inspected in (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05, (iii) 2005-06, (iv) 2006-07 and (v) 2007-08 and found to be not meeting the requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register were removed from the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.

Beverley Hughes: These are matters for Ofsted. The Chief Inspector, Christine Gilbert, has written to the hon. Member and copies of her replies have been placed in the Library.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 24 April 2008:
	Parliamentary question number 200786: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, how often Ofsted requires (a) nurseries, (b) childminders and (c) nannies to repeat Criminal Record Bureau checks to maintain registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for reply.
	The voluntary part of the Childcare Register has only been in operation since April 2007, Ofsted has yet to decide upon a policy of repeat Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) checks for any of the types of provision eligible to apply to join the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. However, it might help to mention that as part of the application suitability check process Ofsted carries out an identity check and an enhanced CRB (unless Ofsted has already obtained a CRB check in respect of that person and that person has a continued history with Ofsted in the previous three years) of all applicants.
	The law sets out the categories of people Ofsted must check in relation to the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. For childminders and nannies, Ofsted will check the childminder. In relation to other childcare such as nurseries, Ofsted will usually check the applicant where the applicant is an individual and the nominated person where the applicant is an organisation. Ofsted will also check the manager. Ofsted may also check others who make up an organisation that provides childcare if it has concerns about an individual. Providers are expected to ensure that others who work or are in regular contact with children are suitable, or that those who are unchecked are not left in unsupervised contact with children.
	We will repeat CRB checks if we judge it necessary, on the basis of information we have received either through inspection or from another source such as a complaint, to determine that a person continues to be suitable. We will recheck those on the register as part of their application to join the Independent Safeguarding Authority scheme which starts in 2009.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 30 April 2008:
	Parliamentary question number 200791: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, how Ofsted assesses whether applicant (a) nurseries, (b) childminders and (c) nannies seeking registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register have completed training in core skills as set out in Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children's Workforce.
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for reply.
	The Common Core of Skills and Knowledge (the Common Core), reflects a set of common values for people who work with children and young people. They promote equality, respect diversity and challenge stereotypes, helping to improve the life chances of all children and young people and to provide more effective integrated services.
	The regulations for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register state that, as part of the ongoing requirements of registration, providers must ensure that: "At least one person who is caring for children on the premises has successfully completed training in the core skills as set out in the document 'Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children's Workforce'." This is soon to change in revised regulations to be either "the common core" or a level 2 qualification.
	If the childcare provider has received training in all of the common core areas, or will have done so before they start caring for children, they can apply for registration on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. As part of the application process, the applicant is asked to confirm (by signing a set of declarations) that they have received, or will receive before caring for children, relevant training in the core areas. There is no registration visit for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
	If we have any concerns about any details of an application, we check with the applicant and seek confirmation of the declaration. To do this the applicant must produce relevant course certificates or demonstrate how they are able to meet the common core through an existing qualification. They may also need to provide further details of the course, such as the course content. There is no definitive list of qualifications that satisfy the requirements, and in lieu of such a list we currently accept all qualifications on the Early Years and Playwork Qualifications Database as meeting the qualifications requirement, as well as other training or qualifications that the applicant can demonstrate are common core compliant.
	At any inspection, registered providers must demonstrate that at least one person has had training in the common core. During inspections, we check compliance with the requirements governing continued registration. At the inspection visit we also look for evidence within the organisation that the skills and knowledge from common core training are put into practice. If we find a provider to be non-compliant then we set an action telling the provider what they must do to remain registered. We currently inspect 10% of those on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, as agreed with the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 30 April 2008:
	To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
	how many (a) nurseries, (b) childminders and (c) nannies were registered on the voluntary part of the Ofsted Childcare Register in (i) 2003-04, (ii) 2004-05, (iii) 2005-06, (iv) 2006-07 and (v) 2007-08
	;
	;
	.
	Your recent parliamentary questions have been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for reply.
	The voluntary part of the Childcare Register has only been in operation since April 2007. During the period April 2007 to March 2008, Ofsted had registered 1,421 settings. The method of categorisation Ofsted uses does not fit precisely with the types that you have indicated, but I can confirm that of the 1,421 registered settings, 70 are other childcare (for example, activity-based settings such as sports coaching or tuition; short-term care, such as crèches); 33 are childminders; and 1,318 home childcare (nannies). Nurseries usually require compulsory registration as they cater for children aged under five.
	Ofsted do not have a duty to inspect provision on the voluntary part of the Childcare Register, and only inspect a proportion of those who are registered. Between April 2007 and March 2008 Ofsted has completed six inspections with a further eight scheduled for inspection up until the end of April 2008. Of these, five were home childcare inspections and one was a childcare inspection.
	Of those inspections carried out between the periods April 2007 to March 2008, two providers were found not to be meeting the requirements for the voluntary part of the Childcare Register.
	Ofsted has not removed any providers from the voluntary part of the Childcare Register. The two providers did not meet requirements at inspection have since done so.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.
	 Letter from Christine Gilbert, dated 30 April 2008:
	To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
	;
	;
	;
	;
	Your recent parliamentary questions have been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for reply.
	The voluntary part of the Childcare Register has only been in operation since April 2007. From April 2007 and up until the date of this letter, Ofsted has not removed any registered provision from the voluntary part of the Childcare Register and the Care Standards Tribunal has received no appeals. Therefore, no applicant who was unsuccessful in achieving registration has made an appeal.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, and will be placed in the library of both Houses.

Children: Day Care

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of childcare staff in  (a) maintained nurseries and  (b) children's centres had been in post for less than six months at the latest date for which figures are available.

Beverley Hughes: The 2006 Childcare And Early Years Providers Survey collected information on the length of time that paid staff members had been employed by the provider. Table 1 shows the percentage of paid staff who had been employed for less than six months for each provider type covered by the survey. Table 2 shows these figures, by the ownership of the provision.
	
		
			  Table 1: Proportion of paid staff who had been employed for less than six months, for each provider type, 2006 
			   Percentage 
			 Full day care 4 
			 Full day care in Children's Centres 9 
			 Sessional care 4 
			 Out of school clubs 5 
			 Nursery schools 3 
			 Primary schools with nursery and reception classes 3 
			 Primary schools with reception but no nursery classes 2 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Proportion of paid staff who had been employed for less than six months, by ownership of provision, 2006 
			  Percentage 
			   Private  Voluntary  Local authority  School/college  Other 
			 Full day care 4 5 3 3 4 
			 Full day care in Children's Centres 11 9 9 11 6 
			 Sessional care 3 4 6 0 (1)— 
			 Out of school clubs 5 6 4 6 9 
			 (1) Data not included due to a low base size.

Children: Day Care

Maria Miller: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families how many and what proportion of childcare staff in  (a) maintained nurseries and  (b) children's centres were recruited through a temporary recruitment agency in the latest period for which figures are available.

Beverley Hughes: The Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey does not collect information on the numbers of staff that were recruited through a temporary recruitment agency, however information on whether a provider had used agency, freelance or supply staff is collected. The 2006 figures are shown in Table 1. Table 2 shows the percentage of providers who had used agency, freelance or supply staff, by the ownership of the provision.
	
		
			  Table 1: Proportion of providers who had used agency, freelance or supply staff in the last 12 months, 2006 
			  Percentage 
			 Full day care 26 
			 Full day care in Children's Centres 55 
			 Sessional care 5 
			 After school clubs 10 
			 Holiday clubs 11 
			 Nursery schools 62 
			 Primary schools with nursery and reception classes 57 
			 Primary schools with reception but no nursery classes 41 
		
	
	
		
			  Table 2: Proportion of providers who had used agency, freelance or supply staff in the last 12 months, by ownership of provision, 2006 
			   Private  Voluntary  Local Authority  School/College  Other 
			 Full day care 24 17 53 46 49 
			 Full day care in Children's Centres (1)— (1)— 64 (1)— (1)— 
			 Sessional care 4 5 (1)— (1)— (1)— 
			 Out of school clubs 9 9 15 12 (1)— 
			 (1) Data not included due to a low base size.

Pupils: Databases

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families whether data associated with the unique learner number will be transferred from or stored on the  (a) National Identity Register and  (b) Information Sharing Index/ContactPoint.

Bill Rammell: As Minister responsible for the unique learner number, I have been asked to reply.
	There are no plans for data associated with the unique learner number to be transferred to or stored on the National Identity Register or ContactPoint.

Secondary Education

David Chaytor: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in which secondary schools in  (a) Birmingham,  (b) Buckinghamshire,  (c) Kent and  (d) Lincolnshire fewer than 30 per cent. of pupils obtained fewer than five GCSE A* to C passes including English and mathematics; and what percentage of the relevant intake in each case (i) was in receipt of free school meals and (ii) had special educational needs, giving the contextual value-added score in each case.

Jim Knight: The information requested has been placed in the House Library.

Truancy

Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families 
	(1)  what recent steps the Government have taken to reduce levels of truancy;
	(2)  what recent steps the Government have taken to assist children rejoining education after a long period of absence;
	(3)  what recent steps the Government have taken to work with parents to reduce truancy.

Kevin Brennan: I refer the hon. Member to the reply on 26 November 2007,  Official Report, column 671W, to his previous question on this matter. Data for the 2006-07 school year show reductions in overall absence from all state-funded schools (6.49 per cent. compared to 6.96 per cent.), which is the lowest on record, and in persistent absence from state-funded secondary schools (6.7 per cent. compared to 7.1 per cent.). We are continuing our focus on reducing persistent absence across all local authorities and their schools, and on minimising avoidable absence through early identification of pupils developing patterns of absence and tackling the underlying causes of these patterns. We expect schools and local authorities to work with the pupils and their families on an individual basis to resolve the problems that cause the absence, with the support of other agencies and partners such as the local community, social care workers and the police, reintegrate into the school community and catch up with their peers.

HEALTH

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate was made of the contribution of the alcohol industry to  (a) alcohol awareness programmes and  (b) alcohol rehabilitation services for the purposes of determining his Department's spending share in each year since 1997.

Dawn Primarolo: The alcohol industry plans to contribute £12 million over the three years 2007 to 2010 to the Drinkaware Trust to fund activities to reduce alcohol-related harm, including alcohol awareness programmes. We are aware that individual companies fund other awareness programmes, although funding plans are not routinely shared with the Department. The Department holds no information on industry funding of alcohol rehabilitation services.
	The Department does not adjust its spending plans to take account of industry funding of awareness programmes.

Arthritis

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) males and  (b) females aged (i) 10 to 16, (ii) 17 to 24, (iii) 25 to 30, (iv) 31 to 35, (v) 36 to 40 and (vi) over 40 years died from rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority.

Phil Hope: I have been asked to reply.
	The information requested falls within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority to reply.
	 Letter from Karen Dunnell, dated May 2008:
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking how many (a) males and (b) females aged (i) 10 to 16, (ii) 17 to 24, (iii) 25 to 30, (iv) 31 to 35, (v) 36 to 40 and (vi) over 40 years died from rheumatoid arthritis in each year since 1997, broken down by local authority. (205058)
	There are too few deaths from rheumatoid arthritis in persons aged under 40 to show in a table with all the breakdowns requested. Also, the definition of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis applies strictly to children aged under 16. Therefore, the tables attached provide the number of deaths in England and Wales by sex from the juvenile form of arthritis in children aged under 16, and from rheumatoid arthritis in persons aged 16 and over by age group (Table 1), and the total number of deaths from rheumatoid arthritis by local authority (Table 2), from 1997 to 2006 (the latest year available). A copy of the tables has been placed in the Library of the House of Commons.

Asthma

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment has been made by his Department and its agencies of the causes of asthma.

Ann Keen: The Department and its agencies have not made a recent assessment of the causes of asthma, however I understand the Medical Research Council (MRC), which works closely with the national health service and the United Kingdom health departments to improve health through world-class medical research, is of the view that asthma may be partly due to allergy and partly due to genetics. MRC research programmes are continuing into both the causes of, and treatments for asthma.

Community Nurses: Manpower

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the Answer of 30 January 2008,  Official Report, column 1003W, on community nurses: manpower, how many community matrons are employed in the NHS; and if he will place in the Library information on the local intelligence which suggests that the number of community matrons may be higher than the official figure.

Ann Keen: Community matrons were identified separately for the first time in the 2006 national health service workforce census. The 2007 work force census shows that 619 community matrons are employed in the NHS, which is an increase of 253 (69 per cent.) since 2006.
	
		
			  Community matrons 
			   Headcount  Full-time equivalent 
			 2006 366 351 
			 2007 619 571 
			
			  Increase 2006-07   
			 Number 253 220 
			 Percentage 69.13 62.67 
			  Source: NHS workforce census 
		
	
	Based on recent discussions with a number of strategic health authorities (SHAs) we believe that the census is an undercount, with community matrons most likely being recorded in the census within other occupational groups. Community matrons are a relatively new category and there may be some problems with how they are recorded in the census. Although not as robustly validated as the census, local information from local development plans is shown in the following table:
	
		
			  SHA numbers for community matrons and case managers sourced from local development plans—2007 
			   Number 
			 Case managers 1,725 
			 Community matrons 1,890 
			 Total 3,615 
			  Note: Case managers are required to demonstrate the same competencies as community matrons. In some cases a case manager may be best placed to provide the service to the patient.

Departmental Alcoholic Drinks

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Health at how many events held by his Department  (a) wine and  (b) Fairtrade wine were served in the last three years; and what assessment his Department has made of the merits of serving Fairtrade wine at future events.

Ben Bradshaw: In the last three years the Department has not held any events on the departmental estate where wine and Fairtrade wine were served.
	The Department has not assessed the merits of serving Fairtrade wine at future events.

Departmental Databases

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what audits his Department and its agencies have carried out in relation to personal data and IT equipment in each of the last 10 years.

Ben Bradshaw: Information on audits is held for the Department and its agencies, NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency (NHS PASA) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), as follows:
	 Department
	Data Protection Act—2001;
	BS7799 (now ISO 27001)—every six months from the end of 2002 to November 2007;
	System Security In Departmental Information Technology (IT) Applications—2004;
	Freedom of Information—2006
	Information Security—2007
	 NHS PASA
	The Agency was created in 2000 and since inception has been audited annually on all matters of governance including information security and data protection.
	Since 2001 it has been audited twice yearly by British Standards Institute to ensure compliance with IS027001.
	The most recent audit was in January 2008.
	In addition the security of personal data is particularly emphasised in all audits.
	 MHRA
	2002-03 (pre-MHRA)—Data Protection Act and Systems Security;
	2003-04—Assets and Inventories (including IT equipment);
	2004-05—Information Management;
	2005-06—Freedom of Information and IT Security;
	2007-08—Assets and Inventories (including IT equipment) and IT Core Controls.
	 NHS Connecting for Health
	The personal data of staff employed by NHS Connection for Health are managed under direction of the Secretary of State for Health by the NHS Business Services Authority. Data Protection is managed by them in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
	Mobile devices are audited on an annual basis—based on financial year. Audits begin in January and conclude in March.
	The ongoing audit of servers and network equipment, including both hardware and software is undertaken every three months as a consolidation exercise is in progress. Once the consolidation is complete, the audit will take place every six months and take approximately two weeks to complete.
	Clear desk audits are carried out quarterly in every building to ensure compliance to physical security of IT equipment.
	PC hardware is audited on an annual basis—based on financial year. Audits begin in January and conclude in March.
	First Information Security Audit—completed October 2007.

Departmental Transport

Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff  (a) cars and  (b) bicycles are (i) funded or (ii) subsidised by his Department.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department does not fund or subsidise the purchase of cars for members of staff. Interest-free loans are available to staff for the purchase of season tickets or bicycles to encourage green commuting. These loans are provided within HM Treasury guidance for tax-free benefits. The same tax rules apply to benefits in kind provided to employees of Government Departments as to any other employee.
	In the 2007-08 financial year, the Department approved four interest-free loans for staff purchase of bicycles.
	The Department is currently putting in place a 'cycle to work' scheme for its employees. The scheme will support employees in taking greener journeys, by enabling the Department to loan a cycle to an employee for 12-18 months. The same tax rules apply to benefits in kind provided to employees of Government departments as to any other employee.

Drugs: EU Law

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to ensure that local authorities are aware of their obligations on the disposal of unwanted medicines under EU Directive 2004/27/EC.

Dawn Primarolo: holding answer 7 May 2008
	Local authorities (LAs) are obliged to collect clinical waste, including unwanted medicines, from householders on request, although they may make a charge. The Department's guidance Safe Management of Healthcare Waste, aimed at all those involved in the management of healthcare waste including LAs, was published in November 2006 and includes advice on the management of waste pharmaceuticals.

Hospitals: Clostridium

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the incidence of clostridium difficile was in hospitals before the deep clean; and what it has been since the completion of the deep clean.

Ann Keen: The national deep clean programme was announced in September 2007 and the deadline for completion was 31 March 2008. The benefits of deep cleaning will only be measurable after completion. The most recent published data on  Clostridium difficile ( C. difficile) infection covers the period October to December 2007, which was while the national deep clean programme was under way.
	We introduced the deep clean programme to improve patient care and experience. As set out in the written ministerial statement given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 17 January 2008,  Official Report, columns 38-39WS, strategic health authorities will take the lead on evaluation locally as the impact of each trust's programme will be different. No single measurement method will pick up all the benefits, particularly as trusts may be implementing a range of measures to improve cleanliness and tackle healthcare associated infections.
	Improvements to patient experience and environment may be measurable through:
	Patient Environment Action Team scores;
	scores on National Specifications for Cleanliness;
	compliance with the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections;
	compliance with the Department's national core standards;
	Healthcare Commission inpatient survey scores; and
	infection rates.
	The mandatory surveillance system operated for the Department of Health by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) provides data at trust level on the number of reports of  C. difficile infection. Mandatory surveillance of  C. difficile was introduced in 2004 for patients aged 65 and over and has been extended to all patients aged two and over from April 2007.
	The HPA publishes these data on their website so information on the number of  C. difficile infections for national health service acute trusts is available at:
	www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/hai/Mandatory_Results.htm
	Tables of the HPA data have also been placed in the Library. The latest data was published on 24 April 2008.

Hospitals: Clostridium

Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues on the hygiene of new patients before they are allocated a bed in a hospital in order to reduce rates of clostridium difficile.

Ann Keen: The Department does not issue any guidance on cleaning patients before they enter into hospital in order to reduce rates of  Clostridium difficile ( C. difficile). As explained in our "Clean, safe care" strategy, colonisation with  C. difficile without symptoms is not considered to increase risk of transmission. Copies of the strategy are available in the Library.
	 C. difficile is a bacterium that lives in the gut of about 3 per cent. of healthy adults in England (ie about 3 per cent. of healthy adults are colonised). It is kept at bay by normal gut bacteria; but if those bacteria are killed by antibiotics,  C. difficile can take over. Patients with  C. difficile excrete large numbers of spores in their faeces which contaminate the environment.  C. difficile is spread by a person swallowing the bacteria or the spores it produces. Spores transferred to other people can subsequently develop into bacteria that grow in the colon. People are normally only susceptible to  C. difficile infections if they are on broad spectrum antibiotics, which kill normal gut bacteria. This is why good antibiotic prescribing practice is particularly important and effective for reducing  C. difficile infection.

Hospitals: Food

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the quality of hospital food; and if he will assess the potential of local sourcing in improving its quality.

Ann Keen: Good quality food is important for all patients, and standards have risen. The Healthcare Commission reported that over 96 per cent. of trusts were meeting the core standards on hospital food.
	The National Patient Safety Agency Patient Environment Action Team Assessments show that 99.5 per cent. of hospitals were rated as acceptable or above, with over 46 per cent. of hospitals rated as 'Excellent'.
	In the Healthcare Commission's 2006 in-patient survey, 54 per cent. of patients rated the food as 'very good' or 'good', and 79 per cent. said they were given a choice of food while in hospital.

Human Embryo Experiments

Mark Simmonds: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding the Government provided for  (a) human embryonic stem cell research and  (b) adult stem cell research in each year since funding was first provided.

Dawn Primarolo: The Department of Health does not routinely hold information on the type of stem cell used in research. The Medical Research Council (MRC) has provided my Department with the following information on the funding of stem cell research and the types of stem cells used. The information is based on a detailed analysis, conducted in 2006, of MRC spend on stem cell research, although it did not differentiate between animal and human stem cells.
	
		
			   2002-03  2003-04  2004-05  2005-06 
			   £ million  £ million  £ million  Percentage  £ million  Percentage 
			 Stem Cell Research total 4.5 14.5 14.1 — 17.4 — 
			
			  Summary   
			 Adult — — 7.2 51.5 7.5 43.6 
			 Embryonic — — 6.8 48.5 9.8 56.4

Influenza: Vaccinations

John Cummings: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many influenza vaccinations were given in Easington constituency in each year since 2004.

Dawn Primarolo: Influenza vaccination uptake figures are collected by primary care trusts and strategic health authorities, rather than by constituency, and are published annually in 'NHS immunisation Statistics England'. This is available in the Library and also at
	www.immunisation.nhs.uk/Vaccines/Flu/Vaccine.

Maternity Services: Official Visits

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which maternity units Ministers in his Department have visited in the last 12 months; on what date each visit was made; and which Minister made each visit.

Ann Keen: My right hon. Friend, the Member for Kingston upon Hull, West and Hessle (Alan Johnson), visited the maternity unit at the Royal Victoria hospital, Newcastle to launch the Maternity Campaign on 25 February 2008.
	I visited the neonatal unit at St. Peters' hospital in Chertsey, Surrey on 31 July 2007. I also visited the antenatal clinic at the Luton and Dunstable hospital on 15 November 2007.
	My hon. Friend, the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Lewis), visited the maternity unit at the Whittington hospital, Highgate, London on 5 February 2007.
	My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Lord Darzi, made a brief visit to the maternity unit at Tiverton hospital on 9 October 2007 while visiting other services at the hospital.
	My hon. Friend, the Member for Exeter (Mr. Bradshaw), visited the antenatal and postnatal clinic at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital on 6 July 2007.

Meat Hygiene Service

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the advantages and disadvantages of privatising the Meat Hygiene Service; and what discussions he has had with the Food Standards Agency on its proposals to be discussed at the board meeting on 7 May.

Dawn Primarolo: The MHS is an Executive Agency of the Food Standards Agency. The FSA Board considered the arguments for and against the delegation of official controls in approved meat establishments to an independent third party or Control Body at its open meeting on 7 May. The Board agreed that a proposed pilot of a Control Body should not be further pursued and the option of outsourcing the work of the MHS should be revisited only if there are significant changes in the official controls environment.

Medical Equipment: Hygiene

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what guidance his Department has issued to the NHS on the use of private sector decontamination services for surgical equipment;
	(2)  how much his Department spent on improving decontamination services for surgical equipment in the NHS in each financial year since 2000-01.

Ann Keen: The Department can confirm that it has not issued formal guidance on the use of independent sector decontamination services. However, a statement has been made on overall policy in the area of surgical equipment decontamination. This is contained in the "2007 Clarification and Policy Summary—Decontamination of Re-Usable Medical Devices in the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Care Sectors (NHS and Independent providers)". This document sets out guidelines to ensure universally high standards of decontamination practice and outcome, whether the provider of the decontamination service is an independent sector supplier or within the national health service. Copies of the document have been placed in the Library and are also available from the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_074722
	Capital allocations made by the Department to the NHS for improving decontamination services, during the period referred to, are shown in the following table.
	
		
			  Capital allocations 2000-01 to 2007-08 
			  £ million 
			 2000-01 0.00 
			 2001-02 25.26 
			 2002-03 59.76 
			 2003-04 29.00 
			 2004-05 70.00 
			 2005-06 29.85 
			 2006-07 21.59 
			 2007-08 8.72 
			 Total 244.18

Medical Equipment: Hygiene

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with what standards his Department requires providers of decontamination services within the NHS to comply.

Ann Keen: Where decontamination services are provided only for internal use by the same NHS Trust or another national health service body, then policy requires compliance with the 'essential requirements' of the Medical Devices Directive (93/42 EC) and associated Regulations. These are referred to in 2007 "Clarification and Policy Summary—Decontamination of Re-Usable Medical Devices in the Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Care Sectors (NHS and Independent providers)". Copies are available in the Library.
	Where NHS units provide services to other NHS bodies or to independent sector providers then they are subject to the full requirements of the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (SI 618) and 2003 Amendments (SI 1697). In these instances the unit will be subject to a third party audit programme by a recognised Notified Body. The Competent Authority, The Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency will carry out one or more conformity assessments as described in annexes to the Regulations.

Medical Equipment: Hygiene

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent assessment his Department has made of the  (a) effectiveness and  (b) efficiency of decontamination services within the NHS.

Ann Keen: National surveys of the quality systems related to effectiveness and efficiency of both national health service and independent sector suppliers of decontamination have been undertaken since 1999. The most recent published report is 'The Decontamination of Surgical Instruments in the NHS in England - Update report - A step change', published in June 2005. This demonstrates improvements in virtually all areas of quality systems and control over the 1999 to 2004 period. Copies of this publication have been placed in the Library.
	The Chief Medical Officer has requested a further survey during the present year. This is referred to as the National Decontamination Survey 2008 and is currently in progress. The survey will visit some 35 NHS trusts including several which use commercial suppliers of decontamination services. The trusts have voluntarily agreed to take part and the focus is on those institutions that pursue high-risk tissue surgery in respect of the theoretical risk of human prion disease transmission. It is expected that the full survey will be complete by August 2008.

MRSA

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  what estimate his Department has made of the percentage changes in incidence of  (a) MRSA and  (b) clostridium difficile as a result of the deep cleaning programme; and over what timescale his Department expects such changes to be reflected in hospital infection statistics;
	(2)  by what means his Department will assess the effectiveness of its deep cleaning programme for hospitals in England in reducing cases of healthcare associated infections.

Ann Keen: As set out by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in his written ministerial statement on 17 January 2008,  Official Report, columns 38-39WS, following completion of the deep clean of the national health service on 31 March 2008, the Department will work with strategic health authorities (SHAs) to draw up examples of where a deep clean has had a demonstrable effect in improving patient care and experience and will share these across the NHS.
	SHAs will take the lead on evaluation locally as the impact of each trust's programme will be different and no single measurement method will pick up all the benefits, particularly as trusts may be implementing a range of measures to improve cleanliness and tackle healthcare associated infections.
	Improvements to patient experience and environment may be measurable through:
	Patient Environment Action Team scores;
	scores on national specifications for cleanliness;
	compliance with the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections;
	compliance with the Department is national core standards;
	Healthcare Commission inpatient survey scores; and
	infection rates.
	Deep cleaning is just part of a comprehensive range of measures to improve cleanliness and tackle infections set out in the Strategy "Clean, Safe Care: Reducing Infections and Saving Lives". Copies of the Strategy are available in the Library.

NHS: Crimes of Violence

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many  (a) violent incidents against NHS staff,  (b) physical assaults against NHS staff and  (c) criminal sanctions against individuals who had assaulted NHS staff there were in each of the last five financial years in (i) each NHS hospital trust, (ii) each strategic health authority area and (iii) England.

Ann Keen: Since 2004-05 the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has collected information on the number of physical assaults reported against National Health Service staff in England and on the numbers of criminal sanctions following assaults.
	Information is not available by the category of violent incidents or on reported physical assaults by strategic health authority area. The numbers of reported physical assaults in England are shown in the following table
	
		
			   Number 
			 2004-05 60,385 
			 2005-06 58,695 
			 2006-07 55,709 
		
	
	Tables showing the number physical assaults reported by each health body have been placed in the Library.
	Information on criminal sanctions following assaults is not available for each NHS hospital trust or strategic health authority area. The numbers of criminal sanctions following assaults against NHS staff in England are shown in the following table.
	
		
			   Number 
			 2004-05 759 
			 2005-06 850 
			 2006-07 869 
		
	
	Criminal sanctions include:
	cautions and conditional cautions;
	community rehabilitation or punishment orders;
	imprisonment (including suspended sentences);
	conditional discharges; and
	fines.

NHS: Working Hours

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he discussed the implementation of the Working Time Directive in the health sector at his recent meeting with the French Minister of Health; and if he will make a statement.

Dawn Primarolo: At the meeting between my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and Roselyne Bachelot, French Minister for Health and Social Affairs on 14 April, the issue of European working time directive was not discussed. However, at the Informal Meeting of European Union Health Ministers in Slovenia on 17 and 18 April, concerns were raised about the challenges facing health services from the European working time directive.

NHS: Working Hours

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which team in his Department leads on the implementation of the Working Time Directive in the NHS in England.

Ann Keen: Local national health service trusts are responsible for implementing the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) as part of their health and safety obligations. The Department has commissioned NHS National Workforce Projects to support local NHS implementation of the EWTD for doctors in training through a range of innovative pilot projects and supporting tools.

Nurses: Students

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding was allocated to returning to  (a) nursing and  (b) midwifery courses in each of the last five years.

Ann Keen: In 2004-05 £4.3 million was set aside and £2 million in 2005-06 to fund return to practice initiatives for all healthcare professionals, some of which would have been used for nursing and midwifery courses. From 2006-07 onwards, money for such schemes has been baselined into the multi professional education and training budget and cannot be disaggregated. The earliest year for which information is available is 2004-05.

Psychiatry

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from the Health Professions Council Professional Liaison Group on the status of the humanistic tradition in the field of psychotherapy.

Ben Bradshaw: The Secretary of State has received no representations from the Health Professions Council Professional Liaison Group on the status of the humanistic tradition in the field of psychotherapy, as the group is yet to be established.

Departmental Travel

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent by his Department on first class train tickets in the last 12 months.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department's total spend on first class train tickets in the last 12 months has been as follows:
	
		
			   Amount  (£) 
			 June 2006 431,475.40 
			 May 2006 442,054.15 
			 April 2006 383,889.08 
			 July 2006 to March 2007 545,688.00 
			 Total 1,803,106.63 
		
	
	These figures consist of rail travel booked via the Department's contracted agent. There are some exceptional cases where travel is booked outside of the contract but these cannot be identified separately without incurring disproportionate costs.
	All travel within the Department is undertaken in accordance with the Civil Service Management Code and the Ministerial Code.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Stephen Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people between the ages of 16 and 25 were treated for a sexually transmitted disease in the last year for which figures are available.

Dawn Primarolo: The number of selected sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in 16 to 24-year-olds in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England, by age group in 2006 are shown in the following table:
	
		
			   Age  g roup 
			  Sexually Transmitted Infection  16-19  20-24 
			 Uncomplicated chlamydial infection 25,658 38,792 
			 Uncomplicated gonorrhoea infection 3,348 4,934 
			 Primary and Secondary infectious syphilis 100 329 
			 Anogenital herpes simplex—first attack 3,017 5,369 
			 Anogenital warts—first attack 13,973 24,632 
			  Notes: 1. The data available from the KC60 statutory returns are for diagnoses made in GUM clinics only. Diagnoses made in other clinical settings, such as General Practice, are not recorded in the KC60 dataset. 2. The data available from the KC60 statutory returns are the number of diagnoses made, not the number of patients diagnosed. Individual patients may have more than one diagnosis in a year. 3. The information provided has been adjusted for missing clinic data. 4. Data are not yet available for 2007. 5. Aggregated data are collected in a predefined format and age group can be presented in the above categories.  Source:  Health Protection Agency, KC60 returns 
		
	
	In addition to diagnoses made in GUM clinics, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) provides screening to asymptomatic people aged under 25 years in England. The following table shows the number of positive chlamydia screens among those aged 16-24 years who were screened for chlamydia as part of the NCSP during the period 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007.
	
		
			   Age group (years) 
			   16-19  20-24 
			 Numbers positive 8,467 6,599 
			  Note: The data from the NCSP Core Dataset are for positive chlamydia screens made outside of GUM clinics only and include positive screens made by the Boots pathfinder project.  Source:  The NCSP Core Dataset.

Tuberculosis: Drug Resistance

Nick Herbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of  (a) multi-drug resistant tuberculosis and  (b) extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis were diagnosed in each health authority in each of the last 10 years; what the treatment outcome in each case was; and what proportion of those cases were attributed to previously unsuccessful tuberculosis treatment.

Dawn Primarolo: The following table shows the number of cases of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (TB) in patients reported to the national surveillance system (enhanced tuberculosis surveillance (ETS)) from 1998 to 2006 in England. Numbers smaller than five are not provided because of the risk of deductive disclosure.
	
		
			  Number of cases of multi-drug resistant( 1)  TB by region, England, 1998 to 2006( 2) 
			   1998  1999  2000  2001  2002  2003  2004  2005  2006 
			 East Midlands <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			 East of England <5 <5 <5 <5 5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			 London 14 11 10 12 16 33 21 16 30 
			 North East <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			 North West <5 <5 5 <5 <5 <5 <5 6 <5 
			 South East <5 <5 <5 <5 7 <5 <5 <5 5 
			 South West <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			 West Midlands <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 <5 9 6 5 
			 (1) Resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, with or without resistance to other drugs. (2) Region is equivalent to strategic health authority (SHA) in all places except the South East, which includes South Central and South East Coast SHAs. 
		
	
	Data provided by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) are provided by HPA region, comprising nine regional offices covering the whole of England which correspond to the Government offices of the regions (this equates to SHA in all regions apart from the South East, which includes South Central and South East Coast SHAs).
	Information on the proportion of multi-drug resistant TB cases in England from 1998 to 2006 reported to have had previous tuberculosis treatment is provided in the following table. Due to the small numbers and the potential for deductive disclosure, this information has been provided for England as a whole in each year. Among those cases reported to have previously been treated, it is not possible to definitively attribute drug resistance to previously unsuccessful TB treatment as some of these cases may have subsequently acquired a new infection.
	
		
			  Proportion of cases of multi-drug resistant( 1)  TB with a previous history of tuberculosis, England, 1998 to 2006( 2) 
			   Previous history of TB  
			   Number  Percentage  Total number of multi-drug resistant cases 
			 1998 11 48 23 
			 1999 5 36 14 
			 2000 8 36 22 
			 2001 — 22 23 
			 2002 8 31 26 
			 2003 6 18 34 
			 2004 6 22 27 
			 2005 8 27 30 
			 2006 12 30 40 
			 (1) Resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin, with or without resistance to other drugs. (2) Of cases with known previous history of tuberculosis. 
		
	
	Following the publication by the World Health Organisation of the definition for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB in 2006, the HPA reviewed all cases reported from 2003 to 2006. A single case of XDR TB was identified in a patient reported in England in 2003. A further XDR case has been reported from Scotland in 2008.
	A subsequent retrospective review was carried out by the HPA of drug susceptibility testing results, where these were available, on all tuberculosis isolates reported in the United Kingdom from 1993 to 2002. A further six isolates were identified as conforming to the definition of XDR TB from this period.
	Treatment outcomes are currently reported 12 months after the start of treatment. Multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB cases require treatment for considerably longer than 12 months and outcome of treatment is not, therefore, routinely available in these cases.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Africa: Overseas Aid

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what UK bilateral aid programmes are under way in  (a) Gambia,  (b) Cameroon,  (c) Guinea and  (d) the Democratic Republic of Congo; and what the likely (i) cost and (ii) duration is of each.

Gillian Merron: The following tables show all the UK bilateral aid programmes with a value of £500,000 or more currently under way in the Gambia, Cameroon, Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
	
		
			  (a) Gambia 
			Commitment 
			  Sector  Programme  £ million  From  To 
			 Education Basic Education Support for Poverty Reduction 3.5 2005 2010 
			  
			 Governance Legal Capacity Building Programme 2.65 2004 2010 
			  Financial Governance Programme 1.7 2004 2009 
			  Support to the Pro-Poor Advocacy Group 0.57 2005 2009 
			  
			 Civil Society Concern Universal: Empowering Civil Society Organisations 0.55 2006 2009 
		
	
	
		
			  (b) Cameroon 
			Commitment 
			  Sector  Programme  £ million  From  To 
			 Environment Targeted Sector Budget Support to the Forest and Environment Sector Programme (FESP) 4 2006 2009 
			  Basket Fund Technical Capacity Building to the FESP 4 2005 2008 
			  Forest Governance Facility 2.38 2006 2009 
			  World Bank/DFID collaboration to support the forestry sector 0.64 2004 2009 
		
	
	
		
			  (c) Guinea 
			Commitment 
			  Sector  Programme  £ million  From  To 
			 Governance Preparation for Democratic Government 0.5 2007 2009 
		
	
	
		
			  (d) Democratic Republic of Congo 
			Commitment 
			  Sector  Programme  £ million  From  To 
			 Emergency Humanitarian Pooled Fund 90 2006 2008 
			  
			 Governance Strengthening Democracy and Accountability in the DRC 63.88 2008 2012 
			  Support to the Electoral process 21.17 2004 2008 
			  Media for Strengthening Democracy and Accountability 8.11 2007 2012 
			  Peace Building and Citizenship in the DRC 2.37 2006 2009 
			  Restoration of Justice in the East of Congo 2 2007 2009 
			  Support to European Union Security Sector Reform Mission -Chain of Payments project 0.7 2008 2008 
			  Security Sector Accountability and Police programme 0.5 2008 2013 
			  EU Security Mission Consultancy 0.5 2005 2008 
			  
			 Civil Society Communities Sowing the Future of Congo 24.84 2007 2010 
			  
			 Health Provision of free health care 30.7 2007 2011 
			  Subsidised Insecticide Treated Net Programme 17.08 2001 2008 
			  DRC Quick Start Health 9.76 2003 2008 
			  Christian Aid HIV project 4.625 2006 2011 
			  Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) Rapid Reaction Fund 1.8 2006 2008 
			  DRC-Christian Relief Network Fistula Programme 0.95 2005 2008 
			  Medecins Sans Frontieres—Belgium Emergency Pool 0.7 2007 2008 
			  
			 Infrastructure Support to Transport Infrastructure (Republic of Congo Pro-Routes) 38 2008 2013 
			  Rehabilitation and Maintenance of K2 Road 4.62 2004 2009 
			  Support to Transport Infrastructure (Pro-Routes)—Preparation Stage 1.18 2006 2012 
			  UK/China work on Roads impact mitigation in DRC 0.5 2008 2009 
			  
			 Water and Sanitation Water Supply to Mbuji Mayi 2.5 2007 2009 
			  
			 Public Administration Minerals Support Programme 1.15 2007 2010 
			  Strengthening DRC Forest Sector 0.74 2006 2009 
			  
			 Humanitarian International Committee of Red Cross 9 2006 2008 
			  Volcano risk management Unit 0.9 2007 2008 
			  
			 Education Access to Primary Education 2.5 2006 2008

Burma: Storms

William Hague: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions he has had with the Chinese government on securing access for international humanitarian aid to Burma.

Douglas Alexander: I have spoken to the Chinese Ambassador and the Foreign Secretary has written to his Chinese counterpart. Our Ambassador in Beijing has also lobbied the Chinese Government. As the most important friends of the Burmese regime we want them to exert pressure to ensure that aid flows in the quantities required and the experts are allowed unfettered access.
	The Prime Minister intends to speak to the Chinese Prime Minister as soon as possible to underline the need for urgent and strong messages to be conveyed to the Burmese Government pressing them to accept international assistance.

Disaster Relief: Livestock

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what his policy is towards support for working animals and livestock in areas of the world hit by natural disasters; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development (DFID) recognises that many populations in the world rely heavily on working animals and livestock for their household income. Natural disasters can have a devastating impact on livestock numbers and health, cause severe damage to animal shelters and deplete fodder resources. This can result in increased vulnerability and suffering of livestock dependent, populations. DFID's humanitarian policy underlines the need to reduce risk, protect against extreme vulnerability and strengthen social protection for populations.
	People who depend on livestock or the sale of livestock products for most of their income and consumption continue to fall victim to disasters, for a complex variety of reasons that include pre-existing vulnerability and also climate change. DFID has recently carried out a review of its work with such 'pastoralists' and developed a specific pastoralist policy paper.
	DFID has provided funding to humanitarian actors for livestock projects in natural disasters, and will continue to do so where and when necessary and appropriate. DFID is also funding Tufts University's Feinstein Centre to produce Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards (LEGS) for the design, implementation and assessment of livestock interventions to assist people affected by humanitarian crises.

Indian Ocean Tsunami

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what percentage of the relief aid pledged by the Government at the time of the Asian tsunami has to date been disbursed in  (a) Indonesia,  (b) Thailand and  (c) Sri Lanka; and how much of that pledged funding remains unallocated.

Douglas Alexander: The Department for International Development (DFID) disbursed £64.1 million in humanitarian aid following the tsunami. This amount includes aid-in-kind and contributions to regional projects. In its report of February 2007, The National Audit Office (NAO) declared that it was content that this money was properly and fully spent.
	 (a) Indonesia
	£55 million was committed by DFID for emergency and relief activity. All of this was successfully spent in the months following the disaster. An additional £59.2 million was approved for post tsunami reconstruction. All these funds have now been allocated to projects, and £42,283,677 (71 per cent.) has been disbursed. The remainder is being disbursed when the funds are required for actual project expenditure, and all remaining funds should be disbursed by 31 March 2009.
	 (b) Thailand
	The Department for International Development did not allocate funds for tsunami relief or reconstruction in Thailand.
	 (c) Sri Lanka
	£4.4 million was committed for emergency and relief activities. All funds were disbursed in the immediate aftermath of the disaster. In addition, £2 million committed for longer-term tsunami reconstruction has been disbursed in full.

Indian Ocean Tsunami

Roger Gale: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what  (a) representations he has received and  (b) discussions he has had on the percentage of the funding given by public subscription following the Asian tsunami that has to date been spent by members of the Disasters Emergency Committee on Assistance to (i) Indonesia, (ii) Thailand and (iii) Sri Lanka; and what percentage of that money has to date been spent on (A) administration, including executive travel, (B) human aid to Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka and (C) working animal and livestock welfare in those countries.

Douglas Alexander: The Department for International Development (DFID) has neither  (a) received representations nor  (b) held discussions on the percentage of funding spent in (i) Indonesia, (ii) Thailand and (iii) Sri Lanka by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) resulting from its tsunami appeal. The DEC and its associated non-governmental organisations provide information on the uses to which the funds raised by its appeals are put (see www.dec.org.uk). This information is not collected by DFID.